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AB 560

Special education: resource specialists: special classes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 2 co-sponsors

AB 560 improves special education in California by ensuring fair workload for resource specialists and establishing staffing ratios, enhancing support for students with exceptional needs.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 560, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 560

Summary of AB 560: Special Education: Resource Specialists and Special Classes

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: AB 560
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 560, Statutes of 2025
  • Author: Assemblymember Addis
  • Subject: Special Education, Resource Specialists, Special Classes

Purpose and Intent

AB 560 aims to enhance the provision of special education services in California by establishing clearer guidelines for resource specialists and special classes. The bill seeks to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) effectively meet the needs of students with exceptional needs through equitable workload distribution and improved staffing ratios.

Key Provisions

  1. Workload Distribution:

    • LEAs are required to take reasonable steps to distribute the workload associated with initial assessments equally among all resource specialists, unless otherwise collectively bargained. This aims to alleviate the burden on individual specialists and improve service delivery.

  2. Resource Specialist Program:

    • The bill amends Section 56362 of the Education Code to outline the responsibilities of resource specialists, which include:
      • Providing instruction and services as identified in students' individualized education programs (IEPs).
      • Monitoring pupil progress and participating in IEP reviews.
      • Coordinating special education services with regular school programs.
      • Ensuring that at least 80% of resource specialists have access to an instructional aide.

  3. Staffing Ratios for Special Classes:

    • The Superintendent of Public Instruction is mandated to recommend a maximum adult-to-pupil staffing ratio for special classes by July 1, 2027. This recommendation will be based on consultations with various stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and parents of students with exceptional needs.
    • The Superintendent must report these recommendations to the Legislature and the state board by April 1, 2027.

  4. State-Mandated Local Program:

    • The bill imposes additional duties on local officials, which may require state reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of these mandates, pending determination by the Commission on State Mandates.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Students with exceptional needs, resource specialists, local educational agencies, and parents of students receiving special education services will be directly impacted by the provisions of this bill.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Improved distribution of workloads among resource specialists may lead to better educational outcomes for students with exceptional needs.
    • Establishing clear staffing ratios for special classes is expected to enhance the quality of education and support provided to students requiring more intensive services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 10, 2025, and is now part of California law.
  • It underwent several amendments and committee reviews throughout the legislative process, reflecting input from various stakeholders in the education system.

Conclusion

AB 560 represents a significant step toward improving the structure and delivery of special education services in California. By focusing on equitable workload distribution and establishing staffing ratios, the bill aims to enhance the educational experience for students with exceptional needs and support the professionals who serve them.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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