Special Education Non-Profit Organization Supported by The Mind Trust Has Added an Alternative Pathway to Special Education Licensure

Dr. Sheri L. Anderson, Founder and President of SPEDACTS, a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide schools with access to special education services has just added a vertical to the organization. In response to the state’s critical shortage of licensed special education teachers, Dr. Anderson developed SPED: RAL (Special Education: Rigorous Acceleration to Licensure), an innovative pathway to licensure. As of April 13, 2022, the Indiana State Board of Education approved the SPED: RAL pathway and the program will soon be in its implementation phase.

How You Can Support SPED:RAL
Do you know a current educator looking to earn a special education certification in the state of Indiana? SPED:RAL, part of SPEDACTS, is now a participating partner for the I-SEAL program through the state of Indiana. Encourage them to be part of our First Cohort and Apply Today!
Are you passionate about expanding access to high quality educational opportunities to existing Indiana teachers? Sponsor an educator to be part of our first cohort by making a donation below!

To date, SPED: RAL has 21 program completers, all of whom have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program has also achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Praxis Special Education Exam, reflecting the strong preparation and success of its participants

Highlights of the Program

  • Significant reduction in the time it takes to complete special education certification

  • Program is aligned with state and Council for Exceptional Children standards

  • Teacher-candidates have on the job training that is supported by mentors and coaches

  • Pathway designed to address P-12 teaching and learning

  • Special efforts made to attract minority and male teacher-candidates

  • Curriculum designed in hybrid (in-person and online) format

  • Content for pathway is intensive and can be completed within an academic school year

  • As compared to tradition universities/colleges, tuition is significantly lower

  • Support of teacher-candidates will continue through passing of required Praxis exams

  • Instructors for SPED: RAL will be properly credentialed and have experience working with children with special needs

  • SPED: RAL’s effectiveness will be determined via an independent organization’s evaluation such as Class Measures (beginning in year 2)

  • SPED: RAL’s pathway has been a year in the making with continuous support and scrutiny by the Indiana Department of Education, Educator Preparation Programs reviewers

Apply Today!

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EPP Annual Report Information regarding program attrition, retention, and completion rates can be found at the following link under “SPED:RAL”.