SF 3926 Summary

• Creates a statewide online case management system for special education using federal IDEA model forms, available to school districts without charge beginning 2019-2020; mandatory use required by 2021-2022 school year.

• Establishes mandatory classroom size limits of 17 students per instructor in grades K-3, 19 in grades 4-6, 21 in grades 7-9, and 23 in grades 10-12, effective 2018-2019 school year.

• Increases teacher shortage loan forgiveness from $1,000 to $10,000 annually per eligible teacher and expands teacher mentoring programs with focus on recruiting and retaining teachers of color and American Indian teachers.

• Appropriates $26 million for 2019 for school safety initiatives including counselors, psychologists, social workers, and facility security enhancements; requires one such professional per 290 students.

• Requires minimum 16 hours of annual paid professional development for paraprofessionals and protects noncertified staff compensation during e-learning days.