School Law Bulletin #2001/16

IN SPITE OF THE STATE’S FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, the 2001 General Assembly supported ongoing and new programs to improve student learning and achievement. It appropriated funds for smaller classes in kindergarten, employee bonuses under the ABCs of Public Education Program, and special efforts to assist “highest priority” schools. The General Assembly did not enact major school reform legislation but looked for new approaches to such old problems as the needs of at-risk students, the majority/minority academic achievement gap, and the need to prepare students better for the responsibilities of citizenship.