The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18A-3-13, which mandates in-person training for principals, central office personnel, superintendents, and county board of education members on the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), federal regulations, and West Virginia State Board of Education Policy 2419. The training will cover essential topics such as the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), student discipline procedures, parental rights, and due process safeguards. Additionally, it will include information on maximum class sizes for students with disabilities, waiver requests for exceeding staffing ratios, teachers' rights to advocate for students, and resources for local advocacy agencies.

The bill also requires that this training be completed by December 31, 2025, with newly employed personnel receiving it within 30 days of their appointment. Furthermore, principals and county board members are tasked with informing teachers of their rights in person, including documentation processes and protections for advocating for students. In Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, school representatives must explain the identification process, parental due process rights, and provide information about local advocacy resources to guardians.

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