Personnel Preparation Grant for Teachers of Students Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Residing in Rural Communities

U.S. Department of Education/Office of Special Education Programs

2004-2009

$1,250,000

This proposal establishes a collaborative rural teacher preparation program to address the increasing need for teachers to serve deaf and hard of hearing children in rural areas. The project will address the identified challenges of recruitment, training and retention of rural deaf/hh teachers. Participants will be recruited and recommended by local school districts, special education directors, or families. Upon review and admission to the program they will co-register and be advised through their local college or university and the University of Minnesota throughout their professional development and practicum. The framework for the preservice professional development program includes: a) curriculum adaptation to address the community needs of rural educators: b) a mentorship and teacher induction program to provide support for preservice and new teachers of deaf/hh students; and c) video streaming technology (D-Link) linking new teachers, students and families. Each participant will receive financial support for tuition and related expenses coinciding with a five year commitment to teach in rural settings or repay the federal support provided. Participants' performance will be evaluated using formative and summative evaluation protocols. Achievement of national competency standards will be documented through performance and portfolio measures. Participants will be recommended for licensure by a panel of three persons using demonstrated performance measures.