Section 340.1786. Teachers of students with cognitive impairment; special requirements.

(1) The teacher education program for teachers of students with cognitive impairment shall include a minimum of 30 semester or equivalent hours pursuant to R 340.1781, R 340.1782, and all of the following:

(a)         The identification, classification,   legislation  and  policies,  historical perspectives, and levels of support for students with cognitive impairment.

(b)   The nature and character of cognitive impairment and its unique impact on the following areas of human development:

(i)   Social.

(ii)   Emotional.

(iii)   Language/communication.

(iv)   Physical.

(v)   Motor.

(vi)   Sensory.

(vii)   Learning, behavior, and health related problems.

(c)         The promotion of individualized participation in age appropriate environments within the school and community.

(d)      Assessing, teaching, and modifying instruction and curricula for students with cognitive impairment related to all of the following:

(i)        Using research-based strategies and techniques for developing language and communication abilities and skills of students with   cognitive impairment to  promote the  development  of  language,  reading,   writing, spelling, calculating, and thinking.

(ii)      Selecting, adapting, and developing specialized or general education curricula, assessments,  accommodations,  and  instructional materials  for students   with cognitive impairment that is aligned with the  general curriculum.

(iii)       Planning and implementing instruction in settings across domains, including community,     personal/social, sexuality, career/employment,   and leisure/recreation.

(iv)          Assessing, implementing, and supporting all levels of assistive technology for individual students.

(v)         Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships and partnerships with parents/families, educators, administrators, consultants, and community service providers.

(vi)       Developing individualized goals for  students  with  cognitive impairment related  to   social   relationships, cultural competence, self-determination, and transitions to postsecondary training, career/employment,  and  community integration.

(e)   Issues related to cognitive impairment theory, research, and policy, including definition and identification; legislation and regulations; pre-referral, referral and placement; instruction and assessment of educational progress for students with cognitive impairment; and, collaboration with general education teachers, families, and allied service providers.

(2)    The 30 semester or equivalent hours  shall  be  distributed   to prioritize preparation, including pre-student teaching practice, in assessing, teaching, and modifying instruction for students with cognitive impairment.

History: 1979 AC; 1980 AACS; 1987 AACS; 2002 AACS; 2005 AACS.