Provides that the department of education (department) is the proper authority to accept federal funds appropriated to aid in the education of children with disabilities (current law provides that the state board of education is the proper authority). Provides that the evaluation process for certain curricular materials must include the age appropriateness of the content. Removes the member of the Indiana Transportation Association from the list of nonvoting members on the state school bus committee. Provides that an individual seeking an initial practitioners license through an alternative certification path must successfully complete an applicable teacher licensing exam as approved by the state board of education (board) (current law requires the successful completion of a Praxis Subject Assessment). Provides that summer school funding may be differentiated based on the course or length of time of the program. Moves the establishment of the division of special education from the board to the department. Changes certain duties for the secretary of education and the director of special education. Provides that the department may suspend or terminate the certification of a scholarship granting organization if the department establishes that the organization has not granted a scholarship within certain time frames.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Senate Bill (S): 20-19-2-16, 20-20-5.5-2, 20-27-3-2, 20-28-5-12.5, 20-30-7-1, 20-32-8.5-2, 20-35-2-1, 20-51-3-8
Senate Bill (S): 20-19-2-16, 20-20-5.5-2, 20-27-3-2, 20-28-5-12.5, 20-30-7-1, 20-32-8.5-2, 20-35-2-1, 20-51-3-8