HB 24-1087 Summary

• Allows the Colorado Department of Education to issue special education teacher endorsements through alternative teacher preparation programs offered by designated agencies, in addition to traditional university programs.

• Permits educators with a professional teacher license to remain in their current teaching position while completing an alternative teacher preparation program to earn a special education endorsement.

• Requires the State Board of Education to establish rules specifying the required amount and type of experience working with students with disabilities that professional teachers must complete to receive the special education endorsement.

• Creates a new pathway for teachers to gain special education qualifications without leaving the classroom or attending traditional four-year university programs.