This is a 3-year research project to gather assessment data and information on special education referral and identification rates. The special education team is working to determine discretionary grant awards. It appears that there will be less discretionary dollars available this year because of state initiatives that are being planned. The school boards association has some concerns about flexibility in programming and increasing special education identification rates that may affect submission of the eligibility criteria for final legislative approval. John Benson will make the decision on whether the criteria will be submitted soon.
Several committees are at work on different aspects of implementation.
An assessment system to implement IHE program review is being developed with decision points throughout the 4-year training programs. The largest task is to define the licensing stages of initial, professional and master educator and the system for completing each level. This system is developmental and requires mentoring. Mentor training will be needed that includes assistance to develop the 10 standards for teachers. To do this the mentors must understand the 10 standards.