Summary of Essential Education Legislation
The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking passage of an initiative focused on "Essential Education." The "Creating Essential Education Opportunities for Students Act" (CEEOSA) carries seven key provisions, and would lay the first foundation pieces for the department's essential education plan."Essential Education" is the vision of the State Board of Education and Commissioner Doug Christensen to assure equitable learning opportunities for all Nebraska public school students. It includes equitable learning opportunities for all children through integrated K-12 curriculum; expanded early childhood learning; teacher mentoring and development programs; and other provisions. CEEOSA's purpose is to address inequities in the educational opportunities provided to Nebraska children.
"The State Board will no longer look the other way then there are gaps in achievement," said State Board President Fred Meyer.
The CEEOSA provisions include:
- At-risk four-year-olds: By 2010, all at-risk four-year-olds will be enrolled in early childhood education programs. Grant programs would be in place by 2005-06.
- All-day kindergarten: Full-day kindergarten education would be required in all school districts by 2010-11.
- Distance learning: This would include restructuring hardware and software in public schools to prepare for the advent of Internet II.
- Teacher mentoring funds: CEEOSA will recapture Nebraska lottery funds for K-12 education, and use the money to fund an on-going teacher mentoring program. Mentors would receive $500 per semester. Funds would also be available for mentor training and program development.
- Tuition reimbursement: The bill would fund a tuition reimbursement program for K-12 public school teachers. Reimbursable course work would include developing of assessments; work toward additional endorsements in assigned areas; work on course content in assigned areas; and for teachers seeking new endorsements.
- Extended contracts: Teachers could extend contracts for up to three days, subject to local approval, for assessments and school improvement. Compensation would be on a per-diem basis.
Future legislation in the Essential Education initiative will build on CEEOSA's foundation. The act's provisions will also encourage state senators to discuss and better understand the need for essential education.
NSEA believes the proposal's importance cannot be overstated.
"This legislation pays big dividends for children, classroom teachers and local school districts," said Jim Griess, NSEA Executive Director. "This is the first step in a long process."
