HB 24-1087

House Bill 24-1087 in Colorado changes the requirements for getting a special education teaching endorsement. It now allows teachers who complete an alternative training program, offered by a designated agency, to receive this endorsement without needing to go through a traditional higher education institution. The bill also lets teachers with professional licenses continue working while they participate in these alternative programs. This means more flexibility for educators looking to specialize in special education, and it was signed into law on April 19, 2024, becoming effective immediately on the same day.

Official Summary

Under current law, a person seeking a teaching endorsement in special education or early childhood special education (endorsement) must complete an approved program and a student teaching practicum through an institution of higher education and pass one or more appropriate content-based exams. The act requires the department of education to issue an endorsement. Under current law, to receive the endorsement, the educator must hold a valid teaching license other than an initial license and complete coursework and assessments, as specified by rule of the state board of education (board), in a program in special education offered by an accepted institution of higher education. The act adds applicants who complete an alternative teacher preparation program (program) for special education offered by a designated agency as eligible for the endorsement. The act authorizes a person with a professional teacher license to continue in the person's current position while participating in an alternative teacher preparation program for the purpose of receiving an endorsement. APPROVED by Governor April 19, 2024 EFFECTIVE April 19, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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