H*3890(Rat #0090, Act #0046 of 2001)  Joint Resolution, By Townsend, Harrell, 
Allison, Hayes, Jennings, McCraw, Phillips and Miller
 A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE REALLOCATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
 FUNDING UNDER THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FOR SPECIFIED ASSISTANCE TO
 LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN
 WHICH AND CRITERIA UNDER WHICH THIS SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHALL BE PROVIDED.

   04/05/01  House  Introduced, read first time, placed on calendar
                     without reference HJ-14
   04/11/01  House  Read second time HJ-51
   04/11/01  House  Unanimous consent for third reading on next
                     legislative day HJ-52
   04/12/01  House  Read third time and sent to Senate HJ-6
   04/17/01  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-13
   04/17/01  Senate Referred to Committee on Finance SJ-13
   04/24/01  Senate Recalled from Committee on Finance SJ-2
   05/03/01  Senate Amended SJ-22
   05/03/01  Senate Read second time SJ-22
   05/03/01  Senate Unanimous consent for third reading on next
                     legislative day SJ-22
   05/07/01  Senate Read third time and returned to House with
                     amendments SJ-1
   05/10/01  House  Concurred in Senate amendment and enrolled HJ-26
   05/23/01         Ratified R 90
   05/29/01         Signed By Governor
   06/12/01         Effective date 05/29/01
   06/12/01         Copies available
   06/12/01         Act No. 46

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE REALLOCATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING UNDER THE EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT FOR SPECIFIED ASSISTANCE TO LOW-PERFORMING SCHOOLS AND TO PROVIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH AND CRITERIA UNDER WHICH THIS SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHALL BE PROVIDED.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Reallocation of technical assistance funding

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and in order to provide assistance at the beginning of the school year, schools may qualify for technical assistance based on the criteria established by the Education Oversight Committee for school ratings and on the most recently available PACT scores. In order to best meet the needs of low-performing schools, the funding provided for technical assistance under the Education Accountability Act may be reallocated among the programs and purposes specified in this section. The State Department of Education shall establish criteria for reviewing and assisting schools that will be rated unsatisfactory using a tiered system with the lowest-performing schools receiving highest priority. Not to exceed the statewide total number of specialists stipulated by the Education Accountability Act, the highest priority school assistance shall include a year-long technical assistance team that may include a lead principal or curriculum specialist, or both. All specialists shall have a demonstrated record of success in their field and shall be entitled to the incentives and benefits of a teacher specialist. Technical assistance for below average schools shall be provided to the extent possible in order of need. The State Department of Education shall provide information on the technical assistance strategies and their impact to the State Board of Education, the Education Oversight Committee, the Senate Education Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House of Representatives Education and Public Works Committee, and the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee annually.

Time effective

SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 23rd day of May, 2001.

Approved the 29th day of May, 2001.