The Regents State Aid proposal for
2007 would ask for adequate resources through state-local partnerships so all
students have the opportunity to achieve state learning standards. This would be the fourth year of a
multi-year initiative recommending transition to a foundation program based on
the cost of educating students in successful school districts. Funding support for Early Childhood
Education initiatives is included in the Regents State Aid
proposal.
Would streamline planning and
reporting requirements for school districts and BOCES by reducing duplicative
and burdensome separate reporting systems. Existing requirements would be
replaced to the extent practicable with comprehensive, streamlined systems based
on comprehensive data collection and planning and consistent with current
systems of student accountability. The result would be streamlined systems
aligned with the expectations inherent in a results-oriented, standards-based
education system.
IDEA
Reauthorization Conforming Legislation
Would amend relevant state law to conform to final
federal regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which
was reauthorized in 2004.
Would establish a grant program to improve access for students with
disabilities to more postsecondary institutions and their services.
Update Public Accountancy
Statute
Would update the public accountancy statute for the first time since
1947. Revisions would include: clarifying services deemed to be within the scope
of professional practice; overseeing the practice of peripheral services by
licensees within business corporations; requiring that all licensees and firms
that provide professional services to the public be registered; the authority to
conduct firm inspections; and an enhanced mandatory quality review program.
Would authorize SED to charge a fee for accreditation, similar to other
accrediting organizations.
Would grant SED authority to charge a $10 fee on a three-year
professional license to pay for the cost of enforcement against persons
practicing a licensed professional without a license.
Would remove pension earnings
cap to allow teachers certified in shortage areas who have been retired for at
least one year to return to teaching for up to three
years.
This initiative, previously New Century Libraries, is renamed to feature
libraries as knowledge centers and community spaces providing information for
today’s and tomorrow’s New Yorkers. NOVEL will focus on information for
innovation and achievement through libraries. Make library construction grant funds
permanent.
Funding for museums and historical societies to increase standards-based
instruction in science, social science and the humanities for K-12 schools.