By: Raymond H.B. No. 4666
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to professional development institutes for public school
  teachers and paraprofessionals regarding education of students
  with disabilities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  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.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.