Bill > AB2468

This bill, contingent upon funding, aims to improve educational outcomes for pupils with disabilities by expanding and enhancing the "Supporting Inclusive Practices" project, administered by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) through designated county offices of education. The project's core purpose is to increase opportunities for pupils with disabilities to learn in general education settings, supporting their progress towards a high school diploma and fostering a sense of belonging. It will provide technical assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and charter schools on evidence-based practices, including co-teaching strategies, and establish demonstration sites and professional development academies to share best practices statewide. The bill also mandates collaboration with teacher preparation programs and early childhood education providers, and ensures all regions of the state have access to the project's support, with a priority for schools identified as needing significant improvement in serving pupils with disabilities. Furthermore, the CCEE will report annually on the project's activities and outcomes, and the department may contract with the CCEE to provide targeted technical assistance to LEAs and charter schools not meeting state performance plan indicators, particularly those related to the "least restrictive environment" (LRE), which refers to educating students with disabilities in the general education classroom with appropriate support. This initiative is intended to address California's slow progress in inclusive education and improve academic achievement for pupils with disabilities, as measured by state performance plan indicators and the California School Dashboard.