An Act To
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0974
Committee Amendment CA_A_H103 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "4,, to H.P. 734, L.D. 974, Bill, "An Act To 
Amend the Certification Requirements for Special-purpose School Teachers" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, Requiring the Department of Education To Review the Personnel 
Preparation and Professional Development Opportunities for Special 
Purpose School Teachers' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and before the summary and 
inserting the following: 
'Preamble. Whereas, the 123rd Legislature recognizes that teachers in special 
education or regional alternative education programs need to meet certification 
requirements; and 
Whereas, the 122nd Legislature enacted Public Law 2005, chapter 153, amending 
the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A provisions governing the establishment of tuition 
rates; and 
Whereas, the Department of Education rate setting process review panel 
recommendations have been implemented and are scheduled to be reviewed this year; and 
Whereas, the Truancy, Dropout, Alternative Education Advisory Committee Report 
of January 2006 provides for strategic planning for federal and state mandates; and 
Whereas, personnel preparation opportunities are limited for educators serving 
special education students in programs that include alternative strategies; and 
Whereas, this legislation requires a review of the impact of rate setting on special 
education programs and staffing; now, therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Review of programs and standards; special purpose programs. 
Resolved: That the Department of Education, collaborating with the State Board of 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,ft .. to H.P. 734, L.D. 974 
Education; the Children's Cabinet; the Maine Advisory Council on the Education of 
. Children with Disabilities; the Truancy, Dropout, Alternative Education Advisory 
Committee; representatives of private, special education facilities; representatives of 
private, general-purpose agencies; and representatives of students, shall review evidence-
based programs and standards designed to promote opportunities for students with special 
needs. The review must include analyses of: 
1. The impact of rate setting on programs and staffing, quality assurance activities, 
including but not limited to special education facilities, and alternative programs that 
include a self-assessment process and visits for review and assistance; and 
2. The personnel development opportunities that are coordinated with the University 
of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and private institutions of 
higher education to determine the adequacy, availability and appropriateness of programs 
preparing personnel to work in special purpose special education facilities and alternative 
education programs; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: 
That, by October 1, 2007, the Department of 
Education shall submit a report, including the findings of the review conducted under 
section 1 and recommended legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education 
and Cultural Affairs for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 123rd 
Legislature. ' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment strikes the bill and replaces it with a resolve to direct the 
Department of Education, in collaboration with the State Board of Education and other 
stakeholders, to review issues related to the personnel preparation and professional 
development opportunities for teachers in regional special education or regional 
alternative education programs or schools as part of a review of programs available to 
promote educational opportunities for students with special needs. 
The amendment 
requires the Department of Education to submit a report, including findings and 
recommended legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural 
Affairs by October 1,2007. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 04/07/07 Mac:.. 
LD974 
LR 2097(02) 
An Act To Amend the Certification Requirements for Special-purpose School Teachers 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '/\ " 
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Additional costs to the Department of Education and the State Board of Education to conduct the required review and 
prepare the required report can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. 
Additional costs to the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System to participate in the 
review can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. 
LR2097(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1