5. New system will train special education stakeholders

Wisconsin has won a five-year, $6.7 million federal grant to create a professional development system for special education stakeholders.

The Department of Public Instruction will build the Wisconsin Professional Development System, working with community and family organizations, institutions of higher education, regional entities such as cooperative educational service agencies, and local education and early intervention agencies.

Grant-funded training will foster growth and development for special educators, general educators, paraprofessionals, parents, administrators, and related service providers. Regional centers will provide ongoing support.

Goals for this professional development initiative are to

increase capacity at the state and local levels to use research-based professional development in identified core content areas;
increase the abilities of personnel to include, support, and educate children with disabilities;
improve the academic, social, and behavioral outcomes for children with disabilities;
increase the use of data-informed decision-making; and
increase the number of parents participating in leadership and professional development opportunities.

Wisconsin is among 24 states receiving this competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.

More information: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_73.pdf

Last updated on 8/27/2007