Special Education Vouchers bill heads to House

A bill that would create a new voucher program for special education has narrowly passed the Ohio Senate and is heading to the House. OEA strongly opposes this legislation.

OEA is urging members to contact their state representative and ask them to oppose SB 57 as it undermines educational opportunities already in place to serve special education students.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Oppose SB 57 -- Special Education Vouchers

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I'm writing to urge you to oppose Senate Bill 57. I have very serious concerns about this bill which creates a special education voucher program.

I believe that Senate Bill 57 would diminish educational opportunities for special education students. The bill does not require private providers of special education to provide services for voucher students in the least restrictive environment or require access to the same general education curriculum offered and taught by highly qualified teachers in the traditional public schools.

Also, the bill requires parents and voucher students to opt-out of their due process rights under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and Ohio's Operating Standards for Students with Disabilities.

As an educator, I work very hard every day to provide quality services to all students including those with special needs. This bill will drain resources from public schools while not providing increased educational opportunities for special education students. Senate Bill 57 will undermine programs already in place to help these students in my school district.

Again, I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 57.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 10, 2008

Background Information

Substitute Senate Bill 57, sponsored by Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls), would create a five-year pilot voucher program for special education students. The voucher would pay up to $20,000 for students to receive educational services from private providers. Participation would be limited to three percent of Ohio's special education population in grades kindergarten through 12. The bill passed the Senate 17-15 and is scheduled for a hearing in House Education on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. The bill is expected to move quickly so we need to contact House members immediately.

OEA Message: OEA members care deeply about providing exceptional and quality services to all students including those with special needs. The legislature should defeat SB 57. This bill lessens quality by allowing special needs students to receive services from unaccountable private providers, eliminates due process rights for parents and siphons money from public schools.