LOS ANGELES --- Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) introduces legislation to require private schools that provide special education to students with exceptional needs to certify in writing that it meets specific educational requirements to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. These requirements ensure that students have access to the core curriculum and the specific educational materials, services and programs adopted by the State Board of Education and consistent with their individualized education program.

“Whether our youth with special needs are in public or private school, its imperative that we ensure they are receiving the educational resources they need to succeed,” states Majority Leader Bass. “This legislation will help keep these students on track to complete their individualized education program.”

The California Association of Private Special Education Schools supports Assembly Bill 216. This legislation will guarantee that only state-adopted curriculum and instructional materials may be used by non-public schools.Karen Bass has been a State Assembly Member representing Los Angeles’ 47th District since 2005. Speaker Fabian Núñez selected Bass as the Majority Leader for the California State Assembly during the 2007-2008 legislative session, making her the first African American and the first woman to hold this leadership position. As the Assemblymember for the 47th District, Karen Bass serves the cities and communities of Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia and portions of Korea Town and South Los Angeles.