[Mt-blind] Braille Bill

[martin greiser]

From:  
Nancy Cormier <nanecor at bresnan.net>
Reply-To:  
Montana Association for the Blind List <mt-blind at nfbnet.org>
To:  
mt-blind at nfbnet.org
Subject:  
[Mt-blind] Braille Bill
Date:  
Sat, 7 Apr 2007 19:00:56 -0600
>Help!!
>I was trying to find out the qualifications established by the state
>in December.  How was "highly qualified defined"  in regards to the
>Montana Braille Bill.
>Thanks
>Nancy Cormier
>_______________________________________________
>Mt-blind mailing list
>Mt-blind at nfbnet.org
>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mt-blind
  Nancy,
  I'll give you the facts as I know them.
 On December 21, 2006 in Helena, there was a public hearing to receive comments on the adoption of  a new rule (Assignment of Persons Providing Instruction to Blind Students). My son Cody and myself were the only ones to provide comment in person. Steve Gettle (M.S.D.B. Superintendent) provided verbal comment via the telephone and eleven written comments were received, all in approval of the new rule. No comments in opposition were received.
  This new rule was then forwarded to the State Board of Public Education of adoption, rejection or possibly some other action. I do not yet know what action the State Board of Public Ed. has taken. However, I do know what recommendations the Standards for Braille Instructors Working Group ( an adhoc committee of stake holders) presented to the Board of Public Ed. and was the subject of comment at the public hearing.
  They are:
  (a) successful completion of the National Literary Braille Competency Test; or
  (b) successful completion of the Braille competency test developed by Portland State University (Braille Literary Usage Exam); or
  (c) successful completion of Library of Congress transcriber's certificate; or
  (d) successful completion of a program for teaching visually impaired students, from an accredited  college or university.
    There is also language addressing the time frame for completing one of the above, continuing education and responsibility for monitoring.
    Again, I do not yet know what action, if any, the Board of Public Ed. has taken. I hope this provides some answers to your question.        Marty
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