Special Education Extension Falls Short

State programs for gifted and talented students and those with disabilities are due to expire at midnight tonight after Assembly Republicans again blocked a compromise special education bill.

On a 48 to 26 vote, six short of the necessary 54 or two-thirds majority, the Assembly refused to reconsider its earlier rejection of the bill that would have extended the special education programs for another five years.

In the absence of the state program, local school districts still would be free to operate special programs on their own without state guidance. The Assembly action does not affect state financing of the programs.

The measure by Assemblywoman Teresa P. Hughes (D-Los Angeles) also would have revived state administration of reading, economic aid, school improvement and Indian education programs that benefit primarily poor, inner-city school students. Those programs expired last year.

Assembly Republicans again refused to support the entire package. Their lead spokesman on the issue, Assemblyman Charles Bader (R-Pomona), said he favors programs for gifted and talented children and those for students with physical, mental and learning disabilities. He objected to the other programs, which he said are top-heavy with administration and regulation.