Preparing Educational Leaders for Special Education: A Call to the Field

• In Event: School Leadership Preparation Programs: What Are We Missing? How to Make Them Better?

Abstract

Students with dis/abilities are offered individualized support via special education, whereby schools are responsible for implementing a multitude of services and supports. Unfortunately, most school leaders, including special education leaders (SEL) lack the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively manage all special education entails. One university attempted to address this challenge through collaborative partnerships with practicing SELs. Insights from state-wide preparation-program reviews and SEL surveys and focus groups revealed that time- to-complete, cost, pathways to additional credentialing/degrees, and content applied through real-world experiences were perceived as the most important preparation program components.

Authors

• Amy L-M Toson, Carroll University

• Nina F. Weisling, Carthage College