The bill mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to address the circumstances and needs surrounding the shortage of special education teachers in North Dakota. The study will focus on various critical areas, including the workload of special education teachers, safety concerns for both students and staff, management duties of paraprofessionals, and the extensive paperwork requirements that teachers face. Specific issues to be examined include disparities in caseloads, inadequate training and resources for handling emergencies, and the lack of compensation for additional responsibilities and paperwork.
The findings from this study will culminate in a report that outlines recommendations and any necessary legislation to address the identified issues. The legislative management is tasked with ensuring that the study encompasses a comprehensive review of pertinent data and plans for remediation of inequities, including projected costs and implementation timelines. Ultimately, the report will be presented to the seventieth legislative assembly for consideration.