SB 945 Summary

• Modifies transition service requirements for special education students with autism spectrum disorder to begin at age 14 or younger (rather than only at age 14), effective July 1, 2021.

• Updates bilingual education teacher certification requirements, including specified competency demonstrations in English and other languages, valid grade ranges for elementary (K-9) and middle grades (4-9) bilingual certifications, and new endorsements for secondary bilingual humanities and STEM courses by January 1, 2022.

• Removes the 3.0 grade point average minimum requirement for resident teacher certificates and updates references from No Child Left Behind Act to Every Student Succeeds Act for alternate route teacher certification programs.

• Authorizes the Department of Education to file civil actions against persons or entities (including charter management organizations) for misuse of state funds or resources, with Attorney General representation and potential treble damages.

• Modifies technical education and career school enrollment procedures to require local/regional boards of education to hold planning and placement team meetings prior to student enrollment to address transition supports and services.