Educator Preparation Practice and Policy as an Equity Strategy for Students With Disabilities

According to almost every metric available, students with disabilities are less likely to have access to great teachers and school leaders. Furthermore, research data indicate that minority students are more likely than White students to be identified as having a disability. Consequently, teacher and leader preparation can play a significant role in equitable access. Given these implications, improving educator preparation policy and practice may be a key strategy for states to consider as they seek innovative ways to strengthen their equity plans.

This webinar describes:

  • The connection between underprepared general and special educators serving students with disabilities
  • The significant role that teacher and leader preparation can play in achieving equitable access
  • A discussion of states’ equity plans
  • The Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform (CEEDAR) center’s role within current intensive states and state efforts to improve teacher and leader preparation policy and practice as a tool that may positively impact equity

This webinar explores:

  • The concept of using educator preparation policy as an equity strategy for students with disabilities
  • The purpose, focus, and resources available through CEEDAR that may strengthen state equity plans

As a state engages in the equity plan development process and seeks to target root causes for educational inequity, state leaders are examining educator preparation programs and professional development practices for students with disabilities within the state. Have these programs been sufficiently addressed within your state’s equity plan? The purpose of this webinar is to familiarize participants with the mission of CEEDAR and its partnerships with states, universities, and education agencies. The information presented in this webinar was originally targeted to regional comprehensive center staff. However, the archived webinar would be beneficial for individuals who would like to learn about CEEDAR and about how we are operationalizing this concept through our technical assistance with states. Participants who are currently from intensive CEEDAR states will explore this concept more deeply and learn how they can connect technical assistance efforts.

Presenters include:

  • Lynn Holdheide, Deputy Director for the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders; Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, American Institutes for Research; Manager for CEEDAR
  • Alex Berg-Jacobson, Technical Assistance Associate, American Institutes for Research and for the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders

 

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