1.1 Master's Training Program in Low Incidence Disabilities
Project Description:
1.1 Master's Training Program in Low Incidence Disabilities
Project Description
Objective 1.1:
The purpose of the LID master's program is to produce qualified specialists to serve the instructional needs of students with the most significant disabilities in our pubic schools, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, and multiple disabilities. Further, the LID program works to graduate master teachers who will be instructional leaders at the school, district and regional levels. The LID program has two primary objectives: First, to increase the quantity of special educators who work with students with low incidence disabilities. Second, to increase the quality of special educators in Texas who work with students with LID. These objectives are achieved by the design and implementation of an evidence-based training program that prepares teachers to use the best evidence-based educational practices for students with LID.
The majority of Texas special education teachers have little or no training in low-incidence disabilities despite an overwhelming need. Since 1998, the LID master's program has made a significant impact by graduating 95 teachers who currently serve over 3,300 students throughout Texas. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently recognized the LID program as one of the top training programs in Texas. Our coursework and practicum experiences exceed national (Council for Exceptional Children) and state-recognized (Texas State Board for Educator Certification) competencies in the area of special education. Our program offers cross-categorical training on the educational needs of students with cognitive disabilities. We prepare teachers in our program for demanding and multi-faceted educator positions. Applicants who are accepted into the program receive generous scholarship and travel stipends to support their studies.
Our training addresses particular educational needs in Texas in that it provides training which (a) promotes inclusive educational practices, (b) provides coursework and fieldwork in the area of low incidence disabilities, (c) addresses the educational needs of ethnically diverse students, (d) addresses the needs for qualified teachers in both urban and rural Texas, (e) includes coursework and fieldwork in collaborative practices, (f) is interdisciplinary in nature and (g) is based on evidence-based instruction.
Keyword(s):
teacher training, low incidence disabilities
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees)
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
