The proposed bill aims to enhance the training and support for principals and county board members in West Virginia public schools by establishing a new section, 18A-3-13, in the Code of West Virginia. This section mandates a one-day in-person training course that covers essential topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), updated discipline guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, and parental rights regarding due process. The training will ensure that principals and county board members are well-informed about the legal limits on student-to-teacher ratios in special education classrooms, the waiver process, and the rights of teachers advocating for their students.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of informing teachers about their rights and protections, including the documentation process within a grading period, the rights to inform parents about local advocacy resources for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and protections for teachers who advocate for student placements. Furthermore, it stipulates that during IEP meetings, school representatives must verbally explain the identification process for students, parents' due process rights, and relevant advocacy resources. The training course is to be completed by December 31, 2025, with provisions for newly employed principals and county board members to receive the training thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-13
Committee Substitute: 18A-3-13
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18A-3-13