FILED ON: 1/19/2012

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3720

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Twelve

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An Act to promote the successful transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 71 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 38G section 38G ½, regarding Transition Specialist Endorsement:-

Section 38G 1/2. Endorsement

Section 1.  As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Board”, the board of elementary and secondary education established by chapter fifteen

“Department”, the department of elementary and secondary education established by chapter fifteen

“Transition Services”, as defined in 20 USC 1401 (34)

Section 2. The board shall provide a specialist teacher endorsement in transition services which shall include both coursework and field experience for previously licensed special education teachers and rehabilitation counselors to develop the competence necessary to serve as transition coordinators to facilitate provision of a coordinated set of activities to adequately prepare students with disabilities to achieve successful transition to post-school activities including further education, competitive employment, and independent living. The requirements for the specialist teacher endorsement in transition services, as promulgated by the board, can also be used to satisfy course requirements necessary to obtain a professional license.  The board shall promulgate regulations specifying the subject matter, knowledge, skills, and competencies required for such endorsement, including requirements to incorporate renewal of the endorsement as part of the individual professional development plan required pursuant to section 38G.  Said regulations shall also specify components necessary for preparation programs offering a specialist teacher endorsement in transition services, which shall be included in the department’s process for approving preparation programs.

SECTION 2. For one year after the board of elementary and secondary education has promulgated regulations as required under section 38G ½ of chapter 71 of the General Laws, individuals who have previously been employed serving as transition coordinators and coordinating school-based transition services shall be eligible to receive a transition specialist endorsement, provided that they demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to receive such endorsement, subject to regulations promulgated by the board. 

SECTION 3. The board of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate the regulations required pursuant to section 38G ½ of chapter 71 of the General Laws on or before June 1, 2012.