Assembly Bill 560

Purpose | Statutory Charge | Implementation Methodology | Meeting Schedule | Survey | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Purpose

Assembly Bill (AB) 560 requires the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) to recommend an adult-to-pupil staffing ratio for special classes authorized pursuant to California Education Code (EC) Section 56364.2 for pupils 3 to 22 years of age and post the recommendations to the California Department of Education (CDE) website by July 1, 2027.

This web page will serve as a resource for the engagement of key external partners, providing timelines, webinar recordings, survey links, and contact information for CDE staff monitoring the implementation of AB 560.

Return to Top

Statutory Charge

Pursuant to California EC Section 56364.3, the SSPI must develop and post recommended maximum adult-to-pupil staffing ratios for certain special classes. In making the recommendations, the SSPI must consult with all of the following individuals:

• Current credentialed education specialists teaching in a special class setting. A majority of the individuals consulted shall meet this requirement.
• Administrators and chief business officials serving at school sites, school districts, county offices of education, and special education local plan areas (SELPA).
• Paraprofessionals serving in special class settings.
• Parents of pupils with exceptional needs who are served in special class settings.
• Researchers and representatives with expertise in inclusive practices and advocates focused on equity and disability rights.

These individuals must also represent the state’s geographic diversity, including, but not limited to, rural, urban, and high-need regions.

In addition to the list of individuals, AB 560 also lists factors that must be considered when developing staffing ratio recommendations. These considerations include:

• The varying needs of pupils, including pupils with mild to moderate support needs and pupils with extensive support needs.
• The varying needs of pupils by age.
• The types of school settings, including preschools, elementary schools, secondary schools, and nonpublic schools.
• Existing practices among LEAs.
• Other states’ adult to pupil ratios for special classes.
• Other constraints, including, but not limited to, workforce and facility needs, and conditions in small and rural LEAs.
• The impact on the education of pupils with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act.
• How staffing ratios may enhance student outcomes and support needed for general education and special education educators for the successful implementation of inclusive practices.

Per EC Section 56364.3, on or before July 1, 2027, the SSPI shall recommend a maximum adult-to-pupil staffing ratio for special classes and post those recommendations on the CDE website. Additionally, notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the Superintendent shall report their recommendations to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature and the state board on or before April 1, 2027, consistent with the requirements of Section 9795 of the Government Code.

Return to Top

Implementation Methodology

Assembly Bill 560 does not require a formal workgroup; CDE’s approach will focus on the following four steps:

• Information gathering:
  • The CDE will reach out directly to SELPA, Special Education Administrators of County Offices, and local labor unions to survey the current adult-to-pupil ratios in the various LEAs across the state, specifically, rural, urban, and high-need areas.
  • The CDE will directly communicate with various parent organizations, Family Empowerment Centers, and institutes of higher education, and California-based technical assistance providers.
  • The CDE will leverage organizations to assist in soliciting feedback and participation to ensure the CDE is consulting all the individuals listed in AB 560 and on the previous slide.
• Analysis of current practices:
  • The CDE will reach out to national technical assistance providers and Directors of Special Education to survey if there are adult-to-pupil ratios or recommendations in other states.
  • The CDE will evaluate and analyze the feedback received through the public engagement efforts.
• Drafting recommendations based on statutory considerations:
  • After the initial information gathering and analysis, the CDE will draft adult-to-pupil ratios, using survey responses, while providing the rationale behind the recommendations.
• Soliciting feedback before finalizing recommendations:
  • The CDE will host a series of small, virtual focus groups to review the draft recommendations with the various interest groups and collect feedback on the draft recommendations.
  • After receiving comments and feedback from the educational partners, the CDE will begin drafting final recommendations. If necessary, the CDE may host a public comment webinar and listening session.

Return to Top

Meeting Schedule

Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom and hosted by the CDE, Special Education Division. Please review the table below for information on how to participate in a meeting.

2026 Meeting Dates

This table will be updated as meetings are scheduled.

Return to Top

Survey

AB 560 Survey (Coming Soon)

Return to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

AB 560 FAQs (Coming Soon)

Return to Top