Task Force Will Determine if More Training is Needed for Sped Assistance
March 19, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, IL—Illinois State Senator James A. DeLeo (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation that will study the need for more comprehensive training for special education assistants.
“If a student is eligible to receive special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program ( IEP) is developed based on their particular need,” Senator DeLeo said. “This legislation will determine if special education teaching assistants need to be a part of the IEP development process.”
Senate Bill 3111 will require the Instructional Mandates Task Force to analyze the need for more comprehensive training for special education teaching assistants. The goal of this legislation is to find out if schools should require that special education teacher assistants need to be trained on the legal, administrative and educational requirements of their student’s IEP. In addition, they will determine if special education teacher assistants need to work closer with the IEP team and receive additional training on special education strategies and medical needs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) mandates that all children with disabilities have available to them a free, appropriate public education that emphasizes their special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. Their IEP outlines a detailed plan regarding the student’s educational program; developed by a team of the student, their parents, general education teacher, special education teacher, school administrator and others with expertise or training of the disability.
This bill works in tandem with past legislation sponsored by Senator DeLeo that provides services to families with children with Autism and other cognitive disorders.