A bipartisan measure (S-1474) addressing teacher training that was introduced in February 2016 has been signed into law in New Jersey.
The bill requires teacher preparation programs for instructional certificates to include instruction or clinical experience in special education. A minimum of the equivalent of 6 semester credit hours of classroom instruction and/or clinical experience in special education – including student internships – is now required.
For educators pursuing an instructional certificate with a ‘Teacher of Students with Disabilities’ endorsement, credit hours in Autism spectrum disorders and comprehensive evidence-based instructional practices to address the educational strengths and needs of students with autism is now required.
The bill was supported by autism advocacy groups and was signed by the Governor in early February.
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