Establishes mandatory training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting students with autism spectrum disorder; requires high school guidance counselors to receive training at least once a year on the special needs of students with autism spectrum disorder and how to assist such students in the transition from high school to higher education or employment.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3196
SPONSOR: Santabarbara TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing mandatory
training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting
students with autism spectrum disorder
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill will help ensure that students with ASD receive necessary
guidance in high school for transition to higher education or employment
by establishing a guidance counselor training program, specific to the
transition needs of students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as
determined by the Commissioner of Education in consultation with the
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The commissioner of education, in consultation with the
office for people with developmental disabilities, shall promulgate
rules and regulations requiring every high school guidance counselor to
receive training and instruction relating to understanding the special
needs of high school students with autism spectrum disorder and assist-
ing such students with the transition to higher education or employment.
Section 2: Effective Date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The High School guidance counselor is an important resource for
students. With about 1 in 68 children in the United States living with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the need for additional support at the
high school level continues to increase, including the role of guidance
counselors. Understanding the transition needs of high school students
with ASD will help ensure counselors have the knowledge necessary to
help students and parents with guidance for academic, behavioral and
social growth. The additional training offered in this bill helps high
school counselors develop the knowledge necessary to prepare students
with ASD achieve successful transitions to post-school opportunities,
including further education and employment.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2017-18:A7262 - Referred to education
2019-20:A1367 - Referred to education
2021-22:A1667 - Referred to education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.
