By: Lucio, et al. S.B. No. 100
(In the Senate - Filed November 10, 2008; February 10, 2009,
read first time and referred to Committee on Education;
April 7, 2009, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8,
Nays 0; April 7, 2009, sent to printer.)
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.
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