NCJ Number
124877
Date Published
1988
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This draft of a model state statute is designed to provide effective assistance to children who are at risk of school failure and is based upon the conviction that children coming from impoverished circumstances have the ability to learn and succeed.
Abstract
This draft is also based on the belief that State legislatures have a pivotal role to play in establishing a legal framework for successful public education. Part one of the model statute states the legislature objectives of providing each child with educational and other services calculated to enable that child to finish high school and become a productive and responsible citizen. The first part also sets forth some of the facts that give rise to nationwide concern about children who are left behind in public school systems. Part two calls for pre-school child development programs to be made available to three and four-year old children who are at risk for educational failure. These are children who do not speak or comprehend the English language, and who are from low income homes. The third part defines the concept of "at-risk" for children at various stages in the public schools. There are three kinds of special measures called for regarding at-risk children: promising practices, environment for successful education, and individual and school plans. The fourth part calls for State and local educational agencies to develop programs geared toward the needs of the reenrolling student. Specific measures for the implementation and enforcement of the statute are specified in part five. 9 notes.