$19.9 Million Awarded in Grants for Training of Special Educators to Improve Services for Children with Disabilities
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The U.S. Department of Education announced today more than $19.9 million in grants to help prepare special education personnel to improve services and results for children with disabilities.
“President Obama and I believe that every child deserves a world-class education regardless of his or her skin color, nationality, ethnicity, or ability,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These grants will support the preparation of special education teachers and leaders in their work to give students with disabilities the world-class education they deserve.”
Of the $19.9 million in grants announced today, $13.5 million will be targeted at improving the quality and increasing the number of people who are fully credentialed to serve children with disabilities. The funds will help current and future special education professionals complete degrees, state certification, professional licenses or state endorsement in early intervention, special education or a related services field.
It will also support the preparation of special education paraprofessionals, assistants in related services professions (such as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants), or educational interpreters.
Meanwhile, more than $6 million will be devoted to “Preparation of Leadership Personnel” grants.
In 2009, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) administered 150 leadership grants to support doctoral, post-doctoral and special education administration degree programs in 78 universities in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The grants announced today will expand that number.
OSEP is the primary source of federal funding for doctoral training in special education and early intervention.
Following are the grant recipients for the two programs.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
Office of Special Education Programs
Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities/Combined Priority (CFDA 84.325K)