New law overhauls special education funding in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A bill passed by Tennessee lawmakers could give parents of severely disabled children more than $6,000 a year to spend on education and therapies that they choose, though critics say the measure hands the money to parents with few safeguards.
Traditional vouchers give families whose children attend poor-performing public schools a way to pay for private schools. A measure in that vein failed this year, but lawmakers did approve the program for disabled children, giving parents much more freedom to determine how to spend the money. It is not clear if Gov. Bill Haslam will sign the bill into law.
Public school officials and parents have plenty of concerns. Some worry that $6,600 a year isn’t enough to ensure standards will remain in place to make sure children get what they need. But supporters say safeguards are in place.
