(1) The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations to incorporate instruction regarding autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, other developmental disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disabilities into continuing education or inservice training requirements for instructional personnel. These recommendations shall address:(a) Early identification of, and intervention for, students who have autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, other developmental disabilities, or emotional or behavioral disabilities.
(b) Curriculum planning and curricular and instructional modifications, adaptations, and specialized strategies and techniques.
(c) The use of available state and local resources.
(d) The use of positive behavior interventions and supports to de-escalate problem behaviors.
(e) The use of restraint techniques, positive behavior interventions and supports, and effective classroom behavior management strategies.
(2) In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with the State Surgeon General, the Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, representatives from the education community in the state, and representatives from entities that promote awareness about autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, other developmental disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disabilities and provide programs and services to persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, regional autism centers pursuant to s. 1004.55. (3) Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the Department of Education shall incorporate the course curricula recommended by the Commissioner of Education, pursuant to subsection (1), into existing requirements for the continuing education or inservice training of instructional personnel. The requirements of this section may not add to the total hours required for continuing education or inservice training as currently established by the department.
(4) The State Board of Education may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this section. (5) The commissioner shall review the curricula in continuing education or inservice education of instructional personnel based on recommendations required under this section. No later than December 1, 2025, the commissioner shall report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on findings and recommendations for updates to instruction.
