Whereas, current rules of the Maine Department of Education contain conflicting provisions regarding the role of individual education plans in determining specific graduation requirements for special education students; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Education authorized to review conflicting graduation requirements for special education students. Resolved: That the Department of Education is directed to conduct a review of applicable federal laws and regulations, state law and rules of the Department of Education related to the role of individual education plans in determining specific graduation requirements for special education students; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date established. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall report its findings, including suggested legislation, concerning resolution of the conflict between federal and state law related to the role of individual education plans in determining specific graduation requirements for special education students to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by December 2, 2005. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs is authorized to introduce a bill related to the Department of Education's report to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature at the time of submission of its report.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Education to review federal laws, state statutes and rules of the Department of Education related to the role of individual education plans in determining specific graduation requirements for special education students. The Department of Education shall present a report, including suggested legislation, to resolve conflicts to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by December 2, 2005. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs is authorized to introduce a bill related to this report to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature.