A bill aimed at providing more resources and to increase the number of educators qualified in the state to teach students with autism has been approved by a State Assembly panel.
The legislation would require all teacher preparation programs, in addition to any other requirements adopted by the State Board of Education, to include a minimum of six semester credit hours in special education or the equivalent in clinical experience.
"New Jersey has one of the highest autism diagnosis rates in the nation, and we must work to ensure that every child with an autism spectrum disorder has access to an appropriate education," said Assemblyman Daniel Benson, D-Mercer/Middlesex, in a press release. "This legislation will help educators in our state better address the specific needs of children with developmental disabilities so that these students can reach their full potential."
The bill might also help provide schools with consultative services and supportive resource programs, including the modification and adaption of curricula and instruction, to students who have autism in preschool up until 12th grade.
Assembly Democrats Benson and Raj Mukherji of Hudson County sponsored the bill, which also directs the New Jersey Board of Education to develop autism spectrum disorder requirements under the "Students with Disabilities" endorsement that would better prepare educators to teach autistic students. The Assembly Women and Children Committee pushed the legislation through.
"Educating children with autism may require, for example, special attention to certain social and behavioral differences from other students," said Mukherji, D-Hudson. "In order to develop the individual strengths and natural talents of their students, it's important that teachers receive the proper training."