HB1150 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB094 05092 NHT 35128 b

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
HB1150

Introduced 02/08/05, by Rep. Constance A. Howard

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/21-29 new
110 ILCS 205/9.30 new

Amends the School Code. Provides that a transition specialist certificate shall be issued to persons who, through their education and training, have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for transition planning and of transition services for students with all types of disabilities and are aware of the array of options available to students with disabilities after they exit high school. Provides that before the 2006-2007 academic year, the Board of Higher Education shall, in collaboration with the Interagency Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, develop coursework for students who want to qualify for a transition specialist certificate. Provides that those public universities that are teacher training institutions shall implement the coursework developed by the Board beginning with the 2006-2007 academic year. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 21-29 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/21-29 new)

Sec. 21-29. Transition specialist certificate. A transition specialist certificate shall be issued to those applicants who meet all of the following qualifications:

(1) The person is of good character and good health and is a citizen of the United States and at least 19 years of age.

(2) The person, through his or her education and training as determined by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board, (i) has a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for transition planning and of transition services for students with all types of disabilities and (ii) is aware of the array of options available to students with disabilities after they exit high school, including employment and training, post-secondary education, vocational education, independent living, leisure skills training, and residential choices.

(3) The person meets all other requirements established by the State Superintendent of Education in consultation with the State Teacher Certification Board so that a person who holds a transition specialist certificate is qualified to perform all of the following functions:

(A) Provide leadership and expertise to individualized education program team members and other school personnel as they develop and implement transition plans for students with disabilities.

(B) Monitor the implementation of transition services to students with disabilities.

(C) Recommend modifications to transition plans and services for students with disabilities as deemed necessary.

(D) Ensure that parents and guardians of students with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in and understand the transition planning process and the provision of transition services for their child.

(E) Be primarily responsible for the development of additional transition resources and services for students with disabilities in the communities served by his or her school.

(F) Work with his or her school board and school administration to develop policies and procedures concerning transition planning and services, as needed.

Section 10. The Board of Higher Education Act is amended by adding Section 9.30 as follows:

(110 ILCS 205/9.30 new)

Sec. 9.30. Transition specialist coursework. Before the 2006-2007 academic year, the Board shall, in collaboration with the Interagency Coordinating Council and the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, develop coursework for students who want to qualify for a transition specialist certificate under Section 21-29 of the School Code. Those public universities that are teacher training institutions shall implement the coursework developed by the Board beginning with the 2006-2007 academic year.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.