March 22, 2012
SB 1235 requires schools with excessive levels of student suspensions (25% of more of their students or of any numerically significant racial or ethnic subgroup) to adopt school-wide evidence-based strategies to not only reduce school suspension and improve school climate, but also increase attendance and academic achievement.
Department of Labor’s Proposed Regulations
March 21, 2012
Re: Comments on the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor's Proposed Regulations Re: Application of the FLSA to Domestic Service, 78 Fed. Reg. 81190 Dec. 27, 2011
Regulatory Information Number 1235-AA05
Welfare and Institutions Code – Relating to Foster Children
March 20, 2012
B 1909 ensures that school districts provide notification to a county child welfare designee and the court-appointed attorney for the foster youth when a foster youth is pending expulsion or subject to a manifestation determination Individualized Education Program.
Welfare and Institutions Code – Intellectual Disabilities
March 14, 2012
SB 1381 is a simple measure that provides an important terminology change to the disabled community throughout California. The term "mentally retarded" is outdated, pejorative, and not in current professional use in agencies, associations, and other countries. When it was originally introduced, the term "mentally retarded" or "mental retardation" was a medical term with a specific clinical connotation. However, today, the "R-word" is most commonly used to degrade or insult people.
GREAT Teachers and Principals Act
February 27, 2012
The Coalition for Teaching Quality has put forth a set of principles for ESEA reauthorization around preparing and supporting effective educators. Among these principles is a belief that all students are entitled to teachers who are qualified (fully prepared and fully certified), as well as effective; that preparation programs should be held to common, high standards; and that investments should be made in proven methods to recruit, prepare, develop, and retain fully prepared and effective teachers in shortage fields and hard-to-staff schools. S. 1250 undermines these principles.
Essential Health Benefits Bulletin
February 12, 2012
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) Bulletin released December 16, 2011 by the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.
Student Success Act
February 6, 2012
Rather than continuing to support students with disabilities in achieving a high school diploma and pursuing employment and postsecondary education, the elimination of the 1% regulation virtually encourages schools to expect less from students with disabilities.
ADA Notification Act
February 3, 2012
HR 881 would require that an individual provide a notice before filing a complaint alleging a violation of Title III or state law that conditions a violation of any of its provisions to provide the defendant with a written notice that identifies the alleged violation, and the date and location of the alleged violation.
Complaint That CMS Doesn’t Provide Alternate Formats
December 21, 2011
DREDF made an administrative complaint to the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on grounds that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare ("CMS") continues to fail to provide alternate formats to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans
October 31, 2011
In light of these outstanding concerns, it is critical that state Exchanges adhere to the following requirements which address additional concerns in specific subject areas relating to consumer representation, physical and programmatic accessibility in both healthcare delivery and procedural protections, and data collection.