Promoting Autism Awareness Among Teachers Heads to Governor's Desk

BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG TEACHERS HEADS TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

Measure Would Require Instruction for New, Current Teachers
In Autism Awareness & Teaching Methods Gets Final Legislative Approval

(TRENTON) -  The Assembly gave final approval of legislation Assembly members Jim Whelan, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Joan Voss are sponsoring to promote autism awareness in the state's education community.  The Senate approved the measure earlier in the day.

"In a state with high autism rates, it's imperative that educators have the tools to recognize autism and help children with this confounding disorder," said Whelan (D-Atlantic City), who is a veteran teacher with a master's in education.  "Teachers are an untapped resource in this state's growing efforts to help children and adults with autism."

The legislation (A-4055) is part of a seven-bill package initiated by Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) to improve New Jersey's response in detection, treatment, and awareness of autism.  The legislative package was announced shortly after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new study that identified New Jersey as having the nation's highest reported rate of autism - one out of 94 children.

Under the bill, the state Department of Education would develop recommendations for the instruction programs and submit the recommendations to the state Board of Education.  Colleges and universities that offer teacher certification courses would be required to incorporate these recommendations into course curriculum by the 2008-9 school year.  The bill also would include recommendations for incorporating autism instruction into in-service and other training programs for teachers and paraprofessional educators already in the field.

The bill was amended in the Senate to cover other developmental disabilities in addition to autism.

"It is vital that our teachers are able to address the needs of all students," said Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle (D-Englewood).  "This new requirement would mean that our teachers would have a firm understanding of what autism is and the needs of autistic children."

"Giving educators the tools to help identify the signs of autism will benefit both students and teachers," said Assemblywoman Voss (D-Fort Lee).  "Teachers not only will be better equipped to assist students with autism , but they also will have training to help promote understanding among all children about autism."

The Senate approved the bill 37 to 0.  The Assembly voted 80 to 0 to concur with amendments made by the Senate.  It now heads to the Governor who may sign it, veto it, or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.
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