The bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 by updating sections 6 and 11 and adding a new section 61e, which defines "center program" as a special education initiative for pupils with disabilities, including autism and cognitive impairments. It clarifies the criteria for counting pupils for funding, including adjustments for those enrolled after the membership count day and specific provisions for special education pupils. The bill also establishes requirements for determining graduation rates and reporting pupil completion and dropout rates. Additionally, it introduces new language regarding attendance calculations for pupils in cyber schools and virtual courses, emphasizing documented interactions between pupils and teachers.

Furthermore, the bill outlines regulations for work-based learning experiences in state-approved career and technical education programs, ensuring that such participation does not displace existing permanent positions within the district. It defines "in-district" placements and specifies criteria for work-based learning experiences, which can be coordinated through agreements with employers or in-district placements. The bill allocates $2,000,000 from the state school aid fund for competitive grants to districts to cover costs associated with these experiences, requiring districts to apply in a prescribed manner. Overall, the bill aims to enhance funding and support for diverse educational pathways while ensuring clarity in membership calculations and attendance definitions.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 388.1606, 388.1611