Regents ammend Special Ed. teacher prep requirements for Autism

The emergency adoption will become effective July 11, 2008.  If adopted in September, the effective date of the permanent rule will be October 9, 2008.

Here is what was amended and the applicable dates: Section 80-3.7 was amended and section 80-1.12 was added, to require that candidates for certificates in certain titles, who apply on or after September 2, 2009, complete at least three clock hours of course work or training in the needs of students with autism from an approved provider.

The applicable titles are:

• Students with Disabilities (all levels)
• Speech and Language Disabilities
• Deaf and Hard of hearing
• Blind or Visually Impaired

Emergency action means that the Office of Higher Education can avoid the 90 day wait period prescribed by law for a public commentary period before the regulatory changes can be effective. Thus, unless there are some changes, the amended sections are in effect as of 7/11/08, meaning that all new teacher candidates beginning 9/2/09 must have a 3 hour course in autism in order to qualify for a certificate in the above-listed titles.