The Special Education Training Program prepares students to provide vocational education to adults with disabilities in community-based environments.
Instructional Service Agreements require on-site instructors who meet the minimum state qualifications for providing vocational instructor to adults with disabilities. In order to meet the minimum qualifications a staff member working in the community-based agency must either hold a degree or a Certificate of Training and 2 years of experience working with adults with disabilities and 4 years of occupational experience. Many agency staff meet the years of experience but not the degree or certificate qualification. This program is the first in the state to satisfy the certificate requirement. Students learn about the regulations concerning Special Education and adults with disabilities, agency regulations, strategies for teaching students with disabilities, and participate in a practicum to apply their skills.
The SPED students mainly were students from our agency programs that the agencies sent to get certified. Because the agencies were not able to fully open through the COVID crisis, many staff were let go. The agencies have reorganized and have changed their services models which impacted the SPED classes.
We had scheduled an online class, but had to cancel because the instructor needed to complete the DE training. He is currently completing the DE Training and hopes to begin instruction possibly this coming summer.
Because of these issues there is not any SLO information to report.
1. The SPED Department is searching for additional SPED associate instructors.
2. There are still four students who need to finish their certifications, so we are hoping to provide instruction of the first two classes this summer and the third class in Fall 2022.
1. The SPED Department will be advertizing with local agencies and venues for student
participation.
2. A collaboration between the instructor and SPED Coordinator will occur to discuss proper SLO
assessment and areas of need
This program is new and has not had a program review.
1. Restarting the program to train more Instructional Service Agreement Instructors
2. Advertizing with various local agencies and venues to bolster student participation and train a
future workforce
Strategy 1 - Start classes again
Because the agencies are closed due to COVID 19, students cannot complete their hands-on instruction working with students. Classes will begin ASAP when the College and the agencies reopen.
Students need to complete their certification.
Strategy 2 - Increase Enrollments
1. Advertizing within the agencies, employment office, and high schools.
The agencies need a larger pool of individuals to select from to employ as staff. The first and only semester of classes had only 9 students. More students need to be recruited.
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