HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO 66.

(By Delegates M. Poling, Paxton, Perry, Moye, Barill, D. Campbell, Rodighiero, Lawrence, Pethtel, Pasdon,

Savilla and Sumner)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

(February 10, 2011)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study regarding the various learning disabilities that affect many students in West Virginia; the barriers faced, services provided, accommodations furnished, and specially designed instruction delivered to meet such students’ unique needs; and the level of awareness regarding available services, accommodations and specialized instruction that exists among parents of students with learning disabilities.

    Whereas, Learning disabilities such as, but not limited to, perceptual disabilities, brain injuries, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia and developmental aphasia, affect a large number of students in West Virginia; and

    Whereas, Students with learning disabilities are capable of learning successfully when their needs are appropriately addressed; and

    Whereas, In order to ensure that students with learning disabilities achieve academic success to their highest potential, it is critical that they receive services and instruction that are appropriate to their learning needs; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Department of Education strives to ensure that for students with learning disabilities instructional delivery is adequate and effective, necessary provisions are available, and appropriate accommodations are furnished; and

    Whereas, While provisions to foster successful learning by students with learning disabilities are available through the State Board and county boards of education, parents may not be aware of the options that are available to their children; and

    Whereas, The needs of students with learning disabilities can be served best if the Legislature examines the issues surrounding services and instruction delivered to these students and determines whether any significant barriers exists that limit access to appropriate provisions; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the various learning disabilities that affect many students in West Virginia; the barriers faced, services provided, accommodations furnished, and specially designed instruction delivered to meet such students’ unique needs; and the level of awareness regarding available services, accommodations and specialized instruction that exists among parents of students with learning disabilities; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the said Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.