HI SB392

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to provide up to $1,690 to each special education classroom teacher for instructional materials and equipment in fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

Addresses achievement gaps where special education students performed significantly below general education peers: only 22% proficient in reading and 15% proficient in math during 2013-2014, with gaps widening by approximately 10% in reading and 27% in math over a ten-year period.

Recognizes that special education services including speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and counseling are available to eligible students ages three to twenty-two with documented need for specially designed instruction.

Identifies the funding as necessary to close achievement gaps and provide quality educational experiences for special needs students through investment in classroom resources.