|
|
University, school district collaboration model addresses special education teacher shortage in urban schools
Project POISE is an Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) funded personnel preparation grant that offers tuition assistance and coursework through a cohort model to teachers interested in working as special educators in urban school settings. Eligible teachers work toward special education teaching endorsement while working in the Kansas City, Kansas School District as special educators on emergency waivers. Through leadership from the Department’s Suzanne Robinson and Steve Colson and an exciting collaboration with Kim Shaw, interim director of special education in the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative, POISE continues to grow. This collaboration includes joint recruitment of new special educators into special teaching positions in the Cooperative, joint instruction between KU and Wyandotte faculty and shared financial support for continuing cohort teachers working in the Cooperative as Project POISE is in its final year of federal funding. Project POISE emphasizes: Case-based, integrated instruction —This approach allows instruction to meet the immediate demands of the teachers in the cohort. Since many of the teachers may not have extensive special education experience and knowledge, it is essential to provide them with the needed content in an integrated, problem-focused manner. Cohort Model —Each year, 17 new teachers enter the POISE program and remain together for their first year of instruction. This model allows for shared instructional experiences, extended collaboration and support through the teachers’ first year as special educators. During the second year, students enroll in coursework independently. Extended practicum experience —To be successful, new teachers on emergency waivers need school-based mentorship and support. Because of the unique needs of these teachers, the POISE practicum is extended over two semesters to allow teachers to develop an extended relationship with a university practicum supervisor who visits classrooms at least six times each semester. Ongoing focus on cultural competence —Project POISE teachers work in urban, culturally diverse settings, so a critical component of their education includes curricular integration of issues related to teaching in these settings and working with students and families from diverse backgrounds. Hybrid technology integrated instruction —POISE teachers take coursework after a full day of teaching. Some of the course sessions occur online. These sessions include completing e-learning modules developed by Ed Meyen and e-Learning Design Lab staff, participating in discussion boards, analyzing case studies related to weekly content and completing webquests in the areas of reading or math instruction. Project POISE is designed to address the well-documented shortage of special educators in urban school settings. This grant has been successful in both attracting and retaining special educators. The vast majority of teachers from each cohort year return for a second and third year of teaching in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. The Department faculty collaboratively works with professionals in the Kansas City, Kan., public schools to continue this type of cohort model beyond the current school year. For additional information, please contact Steve Colson at scolson@ku.edu. Included here is a PowerPoint slide poster that provides further details on the POISE model. ~ Maya Israel and Steve Colson |
Tools  Email Page Print Page
Contact Special Education Joseph R. Pearson Hall, Rm. 521 1122 West Campus Rd. University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66045 3101 phone: (785) 864-0556 Related Info 2007 was an outstanding year and 2008 looks even better KU CRL and Vanderbilt University team up on LD resource kit New online program blends instruction with state assessments Beach Center launches online Community of Practice |
|
| Click here to return to this issue. Click here to go to the Special Education Connection homepage. Copyright © 2008 by the University of Kansas |
||
Addressing the chronic shortages of special education teachers, especially in urban school settings, has been one of the main goals of Project POISE (Providing Outreach Instruction for Special Educators). The University of Kansas, Department of Special Education has implemented a successful collaboration model with the Kansas City, Kansas School District that is recruiting, equipping and keeping special education teachers in the classroom.