To address the shortage of highly qualified teachers in special education in high need urban districts, Meeting the Challenge has established the following goals:
Support up to 33 credits in a research-based, clinical experience graduate program that will lead to initial licensure for teachers with emergency licensure (Massachusetts Department of Education waiver) in special education; all credits apply to the Fitchburg State College master's degree in special education
Provide teacher licensure preparation for paraprofessionals currently working in special education classrooms who have baccalaureate degrees in other fields
Provide preparation for licensure endorsement for English Language Learning to meet the Massachusetts Department of Education standards for highly qualified status of initial licensure and professional development for special education teachers who serve sheltered English immersion students in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening
Provide support for mentors of beginning teachers to ensure they have the necessary skills to meet the unique needs of special educators
Support mentoring and professional development programs for special education teachers who are in their first three years of teaching to address and alleviate the high incidence of attrition experienced by these districts.
