No. HB 717
Filed under Education.
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Revises definition of term "autism"; requires, rather than authorizing, State Board of Education to adopt certain rules; requires that such rules include requirement related to autism spectrum disorder for certain K-12 teachers.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe bill replaces the state's outdated legal definition of autism with the current clinical standard from the American Psychiatric Association. This update ensures the law reflects modern medical understanding of the condition.
The State Board of Education is now required to adopt rules implementing the new autism education standards. Previously, the board had the option to create these rules but was not obligated to do so.
New rules must require K-12 teachers to hold a specific Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement if their class is at least 50 percent autism students. This creates a mandatory credentialing requirement for educators in these specialized settings.
Teachers may avoid the new endorsement requirement if they hold a Severe or Profound Disabilities Endorsement, have three years of experience, and are rated highly effective. This provides a clear pathway for experienced educators to remain qualified.
AIChanges the State Board of Education's authority from permissive to mandatory, requiring the board to adopt rules to implement the section.
AIRequires K-12 teachers in classes with at least 50% of students having autism spectrum disorder to hold a specific endorsement.
AIAllows an exception to the endorsement requirement for teachers with specific experience and performance ratings.
AIReplaces the statutory definition of autism with a reference to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.