Journalist: Destiny Lugo (ORU)
Senate Bill No. SE-002, the “Youth Career Readiness” Act of 2026 authored by Victoria Arnold aims to prepare students for life past the high school classroom. In section 4 of the “new law” section the author emphasized that, “ The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to ensure that students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive appropriate grading and assessment accommodations in the Career Readiness course consistent with their IEP and any applicable provisions of state and federal law. Such accommodations may include, but need not be limited to, modified assignments, alternative assessment methods, or other adjustments necessary to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.” This bill was meant to emphasize career readiness, and so naturally the Senate was eager to engage with her bill. During questions, Senator Ward (ORU) asked if the implementation of this course would “add a load”, however, Arnold reassured that this course would fit seamlessly into the curriculum of the students. The author repeatedly emphasized that what the bill aims to achieve is “integral to the main purpose of the educational system”. Additionally, she later mentioned that “No funding shall be required for the addition of this class because it will be combined with the personal financial literacy class already provided.” When time for amendments came, Arnold was asked if community service could be accounted for during school years and if that could be amended, and the author was open to that amendment. The bill passed, twenty in favor, three against, and six abstaining. When Arnold was asked what inspired her to write her bill, she gave an insightful reply: “I care for fellow peers who don’t have a sense of direction,- fellow peers who don’t know what they are doing. We’re all kind of lost, and this bill aims to help that.”