Bill > LB528

This bill modifies existing statutes related to education improvement grants, establishing new grant programs and shifting administrative responsibilities. Specifically, the bill creates two primary grant programs: one focused on broad educational improvements (including teacher recruitment, school performance, and student achievement) starting July 1, 2024, and another centered on learning platforms for middle and high school students beginning January 1, 2024. For the learning platform grants, the Department of Economic Development will now oversee the program, which will fund annual licenses for three-dimensional, game-based learning platforms in science, technology, and engineering. Developers can apply for grants if their platforms meet specific criteria, such as aligning with academic standards, connecting standards to real-world applications, highlighting career pathways, and complying with data security standards. The bill also maintains the State Department of Education Improvement Grant Fund, specifying that eight and three-quarters percent of transferred funds will support learning platform grants, while one and a quarter percent will support broader educational improvement grants. Developers receiving grants must provide platform access to all Nebraska school districts, and both the Department of Economic Development and State Board of Education are required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing grant recipients and program effectiveness.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59614