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Saturday, May 21, 2016

Training for Special Education


On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education today announced more than $13.4 million in grants to higher education institutions to fund quality personnel preparation programs to help improve services and results for students with disabilities.  From the release:
“We are committed to promoting equity and excellence at every level of the education system,” said Sue Swenson, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. “These grants will give special education teachers and leaders the skills to help America’s students with disabilities achieve their academic potential.”
Of the $13.4 million, more than $4.1 million is being awarded under the Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with DisabilitiesLeadership Personnel program. The funds will go to higher education institutions to prepare doctoral students for faculty and administrator positions in special education, early intervention and related services.

The remaining $9.3 million in support is being provided under the Combined Priority for Personnel Development to help address state-identified needs for highly qualified personnel in special education, early intervention and regular education programs that serve children with disabilities. The funds will help train teachers and direct service providers in such areas as early childhood, low-incidence disabilities, related services and transition services.
The Office of Special Education Programs is a primary source of federal funding for training in special education, early intervention and related services.