Special Education Resources
In January 2013, SDEA and SDUSD reached agreement regarding the Added Authorization in Autism:
Special Education Information
- Approval of Addition to Title 5 Regulations Pertaining to Added Authorizations in Special Education
- Added Authorizations In Special Educatioin (AASE)
Summary of Agreement
The SDEA Special Education bargaining team has reached agreement with SDUSD over the impacts of Assembly Bill 2160, which requires certain special educators to obtain an autism AASE. The settlement mandates that the following:
- SDUSD will offer a reduced-cost program in which those special educators who are required by law to obtain the autism AASE can do so
- Special educators are required to take 4 classes to complete the SDUSD program, but classes can be waived based on past coursework or experience
- Member will receive three units for each course completed
- The SDUSD program fee is $200 per class, but SDUSD must subsidize 60% of the fees (maximum $480 subsidization); and
- If a special educator who is required by law to obtain the autism AASE obtained or obtains the AASE at an outside accredited institution, SDUSD will reimburse the educator $480, so long as the cost of tuition was not less than this.
The autism AASE is mandated by Assembly Bill 2160 for those special educators who work with autistic students. Those are: mild/moderate Education Specialists, educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Visually Impaired (VI) and Physically Handicapped (PH). Resource Specialists are not required to obtain the autism AASE, nor are general educators who may have autistic students in their classrooms.
Questions regarding whether you are required to obtain the autism AASE should be directed to:
Rene Largoza
San Diego Unified SchoolDistrict
Human Resources Services Division
Credentialing
619-725-8039
Questions regarding the specific educational program to be offered by the District should be directed to:
Donna Rudford
San Diego Unified School District
Teacher Preparation & Induction Department
858-539-5330
News
August 24, 2026
Sept 19 Candidates’ Community Forum: CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction
This forum will bring together students, families, educators, and community members to engage directly with the two leading candidates for California State…
August 17, 2026
SDEA endorsement: Yes on Measure M!
This November, voters living in the San Diego Unified School District will have the opportunity to support Measure M, a bond measure that will continue ongoing…
August 17, 2026
Are you taking advantage of your member benefits?
Are you taking advantage of your member benefits? SDEA members are also members of our state and national affiliates, which gives us access to a wide variety…
August 17, 2026
Community Forum: Who’s Watching Us?
Who's watching us? Flock, workplace surveillance, AI & the fight for our rights Join educators, students, & community partners at a forum this Thursday…
August 13, 2026
Special Education: Reminders & Rights
Special Education: Rights to keep on your radar Our union contract includes rights to help ensure that students and educators get the support they need! That…
August 13, 2026
Protect Our Schools & Healthcare: YES on 3!
Last Spring, SDEA members and union educators statewide gathered signatures to get Prop 3 on the ballot this November. This proposition would make permanent…
August 12, 2026
You’re invited to a book swap!
Calling all CTA educators! As you begin the school year, are you reorganizing your bookshelves? Looking to build a diverse classroom library? Come to a book…
July 10, 2026
Raise Implementation
Your 5% Raise is Official This afternoon, the District notified SDEA Leaders that while the recently adopted state budget still illegally withholds $3.9…
July 1, 2026
Movie Night & Filmmaker Q&A: WTO/99
Go to the movies this summer to learn about the Seattle WTO protests in 1999: A "watershed moment in modern history" with connections to how communities &…
