18A:26-2.9 Recommendations for autism, developmental disabilities awareness instruction, teaching methods.

2. a. The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations for autism and other developmental disabilities awareness instruction and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities for teacher preparation programs in accordance with section 1 of this act and shall submit the recommendations to the State Board of Education. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, representatives from entities that promote awareness about autism and other developmental disabilities and provide programs and services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to Autism Speaks, The Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers, The State University, and The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, and representatives of the education community, including, but not limited to the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board.

b. The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations to incorporate autism and other developmental disabilities awareness instruction and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities for teacher and paraprofessional in-service and other training programs, where appropriate, and shall submit the recommendations to the State board. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, representatives from entities that promote awareness about autism and other developmental disabilities and provide programs and services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to Autism Speaks, The Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers, The State University, and The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, and representatives of the education community, including, but not limited to the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board.

c. The recommendations developed by the commissioner pursuant to subsections a. and b. of this section shall address the following:

(1) characteristics of students with autism and other developmental disabilities;

(2) curriculum planning, curricular and instructional modifications, adaptations, and specialized strategies and techniques;

(3) assistive technology; and

(4) inclusive educational practices, including collaborative partnerships.

L.2007, c.171, s.2; amended 2012, c.45, s.70.