October 18, 2010

Special education doctoral program receives Department of Education grant

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, has awarded a four-year $1.2 million grant to the Johns Hopkins School of Education to support graduate students in an innovative special education leadership program. This doctoral program will address the shortage of professors in special education and prepare personnel to engage in teacher preparation research and professional development.

“A new approach in special education leadership development is needed, one that that prepares scholars who can design, implement and evaluate a full range of teacher preparation alternatives,” said Michael S. Rosenberg, associate dean for research and professor of special education, who will serve as the project director. “Our training sequence will emphasize the use of evidence-based practices, applied policy analysis and culturally responsive instruction, and provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in high-need schools.”

Laurie U. deBettencourt, chair of the school’s Special Education Department, will serve as co-project director.

A number of interdisciplinary partners, including the school’s Center for Research and Reform in Education, the Maryland State Department of Education and Baltimore City Public Schools, will assist in mentoring the candidates. The program will begin in fall 2011.