BILL REQ. #:  H-2104.1 

Read first time 02/19/2007.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to providing educational options for students with autism; adding a new section to chapter 28A.155 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that some students with special needs would receive additional benefit from a highly specialized learning environment that is uniquely tailored for groups of students with similar needs. For example, a learning environment designed specifically for students with autistic spectrum disorders would provide instruction from teachers and other educators specially trained to address challenges in communication, socialization, and behavior. The latest research on best practices and the latest and most appropriate curriculum could be implemented. Parents could be an integral part of the learning environment and could learn from and support one another. Therefore, the legislature intends to encourage the creation of autism education centers to provide a specialized learning environment tailored to students with autistic spectrum disorders.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.155 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Educational service districts, private schools, or nonprofit organizations may establish autism education centers for the purpose of providing an appropriate public education in a specially designed learning environment for students with autistic spectrum disorders. To qualify as an autism education center under this section, a private school or nonprofit organization must be an agency approved by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.155.060 to operate special education programs for students with disabilities.
     (2) The parent or guardian of a student with an autistic spectrum disorder who is eligible to receive services under this chapter may enroll the student in an autism education center established under this section.
     (3) If the parent or guardian enrolls the student in an autism education center, the resident school district shall contract with the center to provide an appropriate educational opportunity and services for the student.
     (4) If applicable, the resident district may apply to the state special education safety net to access additional resources to serve the student.
     (5) Students enrolled in an autism education center shall not be counted as part of the resident district's special education enrollment percent as defined by the omnibus appropriations act.