This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding braille competency for teachers of blind and visually impaired pupils. It modifies the requirements for demonstrating braille competency by allowing teachers to complete the National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) examination instead of a nationally validated test when available. Additionally, it permits the use of a comparable braille test developed in any university-level teacher preparation program, rather than being limited to the University of Arizona's program. The bill also clarifies that the State Board of Education (SBE) cannot require teachers who completed their training before July 2016 to demonstrate braille competency until January 1, 2028.

Furthermore, the bill makes technical changes to the language of the current statutes, including replacing "assure" with "ensure" and defining "braille" as the Unified English Braille Code. It maintains the existing provisions that require the SBE to ensure that blind pupils receive appropriate educational services and that instruction in braille is sufficient for effective communication. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the standards for braille literacy among teachers while providing a more flexible framework for meeting these requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-214
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-214
Chaptered Version: 15-214