Bill > H318

This bill mandates that all teachers applying for their initial Massachusetts educator license on or after September 1, 2018, must complete training and preparation in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students who are nonverbal or have limited speech. AAC refers to methods and tools that help individuals communicate when they cannot speak or have difficulty speaking. This training will include coursework and practical classroom experience with children who use AAC, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, brain injuries, or cerebral palsy. The bill also requires that teacher licensure requirements, professional standards, and educator preparation programs adequately cover AAC competencies, though this requirement will not apply to teachers seeking a second or subsequent license. Additionally, individual professional development plans for teachers will need to address the learning needs of students with limited or no verbal abilities.