Attachment II
Florida Department of Education
Endorsement in Severe or Profound Disabilities
Training in severe or profound disabilities provides special education teachers with the
competency to educate this population of students. As part of the educational programming for a
student who is severely or profoundly impaired, 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 either profoundly mentally handicapped (PMH) or with a dual
sensory impairment (DSI) or teach courses in the Florida Course Code Directory listed under the
"Participatory Levels: 9-12" need to be certified in an exceptional student education area and
have an endorsement in severe or profound disabilities. Rule 6A-4.01793, Florida
Administrative Code (FAC), entitled, "Specialization Requirements for Endorsement in Severe
or Profound Disabilities - Academic Class," outlines the requirements for endorsement in severe
or profound disabilities. This requirement
will not apply
to teachers certified in mentally
handicapped K-12, mental retardation K-12, or intellectual disabilities K-12.
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.