2009S0008-1 10/28/08

By: Lucio, Van de PutteShapiro S.B. No. 100

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.