Portland State University will receive $1 million from the U.S. Department of Education for the Special Education specialization of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD). The five-year grant begins with $216,000 the first year.
“This Personnel Preparation grant allows us to help out many school districts in the state of Oregon that need more teacher leaders in special education. Every student deserves the right to learn, and the EdD program equips graduates to make an impact in students’ lives and communities,” said Dr. Jose Coll, Interim Dean of the College of Education.
The program will provide doctoral training for professionals who want to work as special education leaders serving schools and early childhood programs. It addresses collaborative, culturally responsive improvement processes and practices in special education in programs that serve children with disabilities.
The doctoral program will include remote instruction, alternating asynchronous class meetings with synchronous class meetings every other week to allow students from high-need communities outside of Portland to participate.
“All children deserve the opportunity to get a top-notch education that takes into account their needs and abilities,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said, announcing the grant. “I applaud PSU for doing its part to tackle the shortage of special education teacher leaders, and hope this program continues to expand so there are even more quality teachers for students to learn from.”
“I am pleased we can support PSU’s initiative to create a pathway to increase the number of special education professionals in our schools and enhance the quality of learning for all students,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. “This is a critical step in removing educational barriers and ensuring our children are given the best education possible.”
Dr. Chris Borgmeier of PSU’s College of Education is the doctoral program director and a professor of Special Education at PSU. “We received overwhelming support from special education leaders and stakeholders across the state,” Dr. Borgmeier said. “There is an urgent need to address the complex real-world challenges of special education,” he noted. “PSU is excited for the opportunity this grant provides to prepare leaders in special education to partner with stakeholders throughout Oregon.”
The grant for the PSU College of Education will fund tuition and fees for 15 doctoral students in the next Special Education specialization cohort, which begins fall term of 2022 with funding through fall of 2026. Stefanie Randol is the doctoral program coordinator.