1. Florida Department of Education Endorsement in Autism

Attachment I
Florida Department of Education
Endorsement in Autism
Training in autism provides special education teachers with the competency to educate this
population of students. As part of the educational programming for a student who has autism, it
is crucial that the instructor has acquired the knowledge and expertise necessary to assist students
in becoming independent adults.
Therefore, beginning
July 1, 2011
, instructors who are hired to teach or who are currently the
primary instructor for students in kindergarten through 12
th
grade with more than 50% of their
students who are identified as autistic need to be certified in an exceptional student education
area and have an endorsement in autism or an endorsement in severe or profound disabilities.
Rule 6A-4.01796, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), entitled, "Specialization Requirements
for Endorsement in Autism - Academic Class," outlines the requirements for the endorsement in
autism. Rule 6A-4.01793, FAC, entitled, "Specialization Requirements for Endorsement in
Severe or Profound Disabilities - Academic Class," outlines the requirements for endorsement in
severe or profound disabilities.
Teachers who are not currently endorsed will have the opportunity to participate in district add-
on programs or obtain college credit in the appropriate coursework. A number of colleges and
universities are developing endorsement programs for implementation in the near future or have
expanded existing course offerings that satisfy the requirements established in State Board of
Education rule. The Department of Education will be collaborating with various agencies to
develop a district model endorsement program. Information on this model will be forthcoming.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sheryl Sandvoss, Program Specialist, Florida
Department of Education, by telephone at (850) 245-0478 or by electronic mail at
sheryl.sandvoss@fldoe.org.

Back to top