Legislation to remove Gifted Education from Special Education (House Bill 2801) may happen very early in the Legislative Session (which begins January 12th)! This bill says a new department and funding outside of Special Education would be formed. This most likely would not happen and we would be naive to assume it would! ! Essentially this bill will eliminate Gifted Education!!! Facts Currently Kansas has approximately 450 gifted education teachers and districts receive a reimbursement of about $20,000 per teacher. This is less than $1 million of the state budget. Most states in the nation are trying to GET gifted education into Special Education but currently there are only about seven states that DO have gifted in Special Education. Fifty per cent of our state budget is comprised of education funding. Kansas is currently in a financial crisis. Thus, funding for many programs is being considered for removal. Your job as a gifted education teacher is likely to be cut. And services for gifted students would be eliminated. Who should you contact?! Contact your local House Representative and Senator (kslegislature.org)! Contact your local Superintendent! Contact parents of gifted students (not through school email)! Contact your classroom teacher colleagues (not through school mail)! Contact your local PTA! ! What should you tell them?! Currently this is listed as House Bill 2801. This bill is currently from the Judiciary Committee, but may be moved to the Education Committee.! There is not a Senate Bill yet! This bill would remove Gifted Education from the Special Education Regulations and state funding. This would remove the protections gifted students currently have. It would also remove the wrap around services for Twice Exceptional students! This bill would remove the district reimbursement for gifted education teachers! This bill would eliminate gifted education unless your school district decides to fund it on their own. (For most districts this is not likely)! For more information or inquiries, contact: Christine Steinkuehler (Legislative Contact - KGTC) [email protected] (785) 554-5436 Sheri Stewart (President, KGTC) dr.sheristewart@gmail (913) 707-8554 WRITE a hand written letter to your legislator! They dont read or respond to email, petitions, or social media!
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 03:21:51 +0000
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