This session, Jamie has filed the following pieces of legislation to  improve the accessibility and quality of public education:

An Act to Provide Fair Process for Students with Disabilities: This bill establishes that school districts have the burden of proof in special education cases brought to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals. School districts have significantly greater access to the information, expertise, and resources required for litigation than parents, and placing the burden of proof on parents creates an unfair onus on families trying to achieve equal educational opportunities for their children.  The burden of proof should be assigned to school districts as a matter of fairness to level the playing field, and to help deter costly disputes.

An Act Relative to Bullying: This act would require schools to develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan in consultation with teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, administrators, students and parents.  This is a bill spearheaded by former State Senator Bob Antonioni during the last legislative session.

An Act Relative to Enhancing English Opportunities for All Students in the Commonwealth: This legislation promotes English Language Learner (ELL) program flexibility, while increasing accountability, improving quality instruction, and increasing the role of parents so that all ELLs can become proficient in English and perform at the level of their native English speaking peers.