HB 1416 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Finds that an opportunity exists to improve the overall educational development of deaf and hard of hearing children by increasing access to educators who are themselves deaf or hard of hearing.

     Requires that, in establishing rules for certification, the state board of education shall waive the requirement for a special education endorsement for those individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and intend to provide instruction to deaf or hard of hearing children if the individual possesses a baccalaureate or master's degree in deaf education from a program approved by the council on education of the deaf.