Special Committee for Legislative Oversight of the Department of Education’s Special Education Program #
Website #
Membership and jurisdiction available on website.
Jurisdiction #
“This entity will be responsible for formulating public policy in education that ensures equal opportunities for all individuals and a lifelong education of excellence. It will address Vocational Education programs. It will also oversee studies and research to rectify, guide, adopt, implement, and supervise normative policies for public education.
“The committee will be responsible for handling all matters related to programs and services for special education for children and youth in the public education system, including those programs offered by private entities, community organizations, and non-profit organizations in collaboration agreements or contracts with the Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, it will ensure compliance with court decisions or agreements in favor of minors in the public education system related to special education.
“Additionally, it will address regulations, accreditation, and the creation of conditions that inspire and enhance teaching; the planning and construction of all public works and the acquisition of equipment to promote better education; the development of complementary instructional services for enrichment and effectiveness; the emphasis on specialized education programs; the accreditation of private schools and institutions.
“It will intervene in the processes of university system reform, as well as legislation aimed at addressing accreditation, leadership, administration, research, and teaching in higher education institutions on the island, both public and private, including the provision of corresponding facilities and equipment; scholarships and student aid.
“It will promote an effective link between higher education policies and programs and science to establish the foundations of an innovation system that drives Puerto Rico’s economic and social development. To this end, it will encourage the creative and efficient use of new information and communication technologies in educational systems. It will have jurisdiction over any changes in the organizational structure of the Department of Education and any of its affiliated agencies or entities related to the educational process.
“The committee will be responsible for all matters related to the promotion and development of domestic and international tourism, as well as anything that contributes to tourism development. This includes research and studies that allow the definition, implementation, management, supervision, and establishment of public policies regarding the economic tourism sector, technical assistance, training, local marketing, international exchange, incentives, financing, and any other aspect related to this matter.
“It will conduct studies, research, summon and hear personalities from the business world, industry, and others to promote tourism as a significant sector for Puerto Rico’s economic development.
“It will be responsible for formulating normative policies that promote the development and cultivation of the arts, the conservation of values that unite us as a human group, as well as those that connect us with the world, the dissemination of culture, the continuous and diverse presentation of artistic programs of all kinds, aesthetics, and the preservation of historical sites and areas.
“It will have jurisdiction over: artistic and cultural exchange between Puerto Rico and the United States of America and other nations worldwide; public art, events, artistic and cultural activities; theater, cinema, radio, and television; and will maintain direct supervision and relationships with all government agencies, public and private organizations that promote and are related to art and culture” (official website, translated by AI).
