Notice of Development of Rulemaking

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-4.01796: Specialization Requirements for Endorsement in Autism - Academic Class
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development is to change references from “autism” to “autism spectrum disorder” consistent with changes made to terminology referencing students with disabilities during the 2008 legislative session. The effect will be a rule that conforms to recently revised statutory language.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Autism Endorsement.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.02, 1003.01 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Ms. Bambi Lockman, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 614, Tallahassee, FL 32399

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

6A-4.01796 Specialization Requirements for Endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders – Academic Class.

(1) A bachelor’s or higher degree with certification in any exceptional student education area; and

(2) Twelve (12) semester hours to include:

(a) Nature of autism spectrum disorders (to include student characteristics, appropriate learning goals, teaching approaches, environmental arrangements, etc.);

(b) Use of assistive and instructional technology and natural, alternative and augmentative communication systems for students with autism spectrum disorders;

(c) Behavior management and positive behavior supports for students with autism spectrum disorders;

(d) Assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders; and

(e) Field-based experience with students with autism spectrum disorders.

Specific Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1003.01, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. History–New 7-1-02, Amended________.