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Senate panel approves measure to develop recommended staffing ratios for special‑education classes
Summary
AB 560 would direct the state superintendent to develop recommended staffing ratios for special day classes and require districts to take steps to distribute assessment workloads; the bill passed out of committee amid testimony that crowded classes are harming students and contributing to teacher burnout.
The Senate Education Committee approved Assembly Bill 560, which directs the state superintendent of public instruction to develop recommended adult‑to‑pupil staffing ratios for special day classes and requires districts to take reasonable steps to distribute initial assessment workloads among resource specialists unless collectively bargained otherwise.
Assemblymember Addis, a former special‑education teacher, said the goal is to make instruction more individualized and to reduce teacher burnout. Supporters included the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, who described high caseloads and working conditions that are driving special‑education staff from the field.
The Small School Districts Association testified in opposition, expressing concern that recommended ratios can become de facto bargaining norms and could be difficult for very small or remote districts to meet; bill language was amended to emphasize recommendations and local bargaining flexibility. Committee members acknowledged the workforce recruitment challenge and signaled support for further work with small districts on implementation.
The measure was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee; supporters said the recommendations will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and will consider factors such as student needs and school settings.
