Special Education Non-Profit Organization Supported by The Mind Trust Has Added an Alternative Pathway to Special Education Licensure
Dr. Sheri L. Anderson, Director 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.
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