H.C.R. No. 78 Summary

• Department of Education must conduct a two-year pilot project to implement contracts for services to students with disabilities on a block basis rather than one-to-one basis.

• Working group must be convened including parents from rural and urban schools, a Title I school parent, and representatives from Special Education Advisory Council, Coalition of Children with Special Needs, Community Children's Council, and State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

• Working group will determine what services can be contracted by blocks of time, select three pilot school sites (one rural, one urban, one Title I), and conduct cost-benefit analysis comparing block contract and employee-based service delivery models.

• Department of Education must submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2017 regular session and a final report with findings and recommendations no later than 20 days before the 2018 regular session.

• Certified copies must be transmitted to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, and representatives of relevant special education advisory councils and organizations.