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Amend CSHB 2237 by adding the following appropriately 
numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill 
accordingly:
	SECTION ___.  Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 21.461 to read as follows:
	Sec. 21.461.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES REGARDING 
EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.  (a)  The commissioner 
shall develop and make available professional development 
institutes for teachers and paraprofessionals relating to 
research-based instructional services for students with 
disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.
	(b)  A professional development institute developed under 
this section must address:
		(1)  disability-specific information necessary to 
enable a teacher or paraprofessional to work effectively in the 
classroom with students with disabilities;
		(2)  instructional techniques proven by scientifically 
based research to be effective in teaching the curriculum required 
under Section 28.002 to students with disabilities; and
		(3)  appropriate management of behaviors related to a 
student's disability that may affect the student's performance.
	(c)  The commissioner shall adopt criteria for selection of 
teachers and paraprofessionals authorized to attend a professional 
development institute developed under this section.  The 
commissioner must give priority to teachers and paraprofessionals 
who have a significant level of professional contact with students 
with autism spectrum disorders.
	(d)  From funds appropriated for the purpose, the 
commissioner shall pay a stipend to each teacher or 
paraprofessional who completes a professional development 
institute developed under this section.  The commissioner shall 
determine the amount of the stipend paid under this subsection.