AN ACT TO INCREASE CAPACITY TO ADDRESS
THE
COMPLEX NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
Docket No. 2870
Lead sponsor: Representative Bradley
This bill will help ensure that school districts increase
their capacity to provide appropriate educational services to the growing
numbers of students with autism in the Commonwealth. The legislation requires the Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education to revise educator licensure regulations and
provide a mechanism for special education teachers to receive an Autism
Endorsement. Despite the fact that Massachusetts has experienced a steep rise
in the number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder over the past decade,
licensure regulations inadequately prepare teachers to meet the complex and
unique needs of students with autism.
Thousands of students with autism across the Commonwealth will benefit
from this legislation. Starting in 2016,
the bill also requires IEP Teams to include a teacher with an Autism
Endorsement, to ensure that the Team can adequately address the complex
communication, behavioral, sensory, social, and academics needs of youth in the
least restrictive environment. In
addition, the bill ensures that existing recertification requirements regarding
effective inclusive schooling for children with disabilities address the needs
of children with autism.
Here are some important links explaining the bill in more detail: Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Something else you may be interested in is the current Autism Commission Report.
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