| Scholarship or Voucher Value: |
The value of the voucher is based on the state’s weighted pupil unit, an element of its school financing formula. Students who receive more than three hours of special-education services per day get vouchers worth 2.5 times the weighted pupil unit, while students receiving fewer than three hours per day get vouchers worth 1.5 times the weighted pupil unit. In 2005-06 these values worked out to $5,700 and $3,420; the estimated total value of the vouchers given out in that year is $640,144. The voucher may not exceed the private school’s actual tuition and fees.
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| Student or School Participation: |
In 2005-06, a total of 138 students received vouchers, and 13 private schools participated.
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| Student Eligibility: |
Public school students identified as disabled under federal disability-rights law are eligible to receive the voucher, as well as students with disabilities in private schools that served disabled students prior to participating in the program. Participation in the program is limited by the amount of money appropriated to fund it each year. Enough funding has currently been appropriated to cover all the expected participants.
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| Legal Status of Program: |
No legal challenges have been filed against the program.
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| Regulations on the Program: |
Participating schools must hire teachers who have a bachelor’s degree, three years of experience or special qualifications. The schools also must demonstrate fiscal soundness and comply with anti discrimination law.
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| Research on Program: |
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| News on Program: |
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| Governing Statutes: |
Utah Code Sections 53A.1a.701-53A.1a.710
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