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Lawmaker wants better education for students in DJJ programs

Sen. Steven Wise (R)
Sen. Steven Wise (R)

By Lynn Hatter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-996282.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – A Republican Senator is pushing a bill to reform education in juvenile detention centers. Lynn Hatter reports Senator Steven Wise is spearheading the effort, which is getting support from major stakeholders by clearly outlining which of the three agencies participating in juvenile education will take the lead.

Senate Bill 834 by Republican Senator Steven Wise of Jacksonville, clearly places the responsibility for educating children in detention centers with the Department of Education. The proposal also calls for more industry certification programs in those facilities along with looking at how much students learned through pre-and post-testing.

"We've tried to give as much flexibility as possible to the providers and the school districts as they move forward. Remember one thing in this bill members, DJJ is in charge of the care and custody. Education is responsible for education."

While the measure received plenty of support it still has a long way to go. Wording on how students in juvenile facilities will be counseled remains a problem. One commentator at the committee says the counseling should be done in person, and not online.