CT SB01009

Special education hearing officers appointed by the Department of Education must complete training covering administrative hearing procedures, special educational needs of children, and state and federal special education laws before serving.

Hearing officers must receive updates on any changes made to special education laws as part of their training requirements.

Hearing officers cannot be employees of the Department of Education, local or regional school boards, or public agencies involved in the child's education, and cannot have participated in the child's previous identification, evaluation, or educational placement.

The Advisory Council for Special Education shall study and make recommendations on staffing special education coordinators at schools, the percentage of special education students in mainstream classrooms, and individual teacher caseloads for special education services, with findings due to the State Board of Education and education committee by January 1, 2018.

Sections 1 and 2 take effect July 1, 2017; Section 3 takes effect upon passage.