By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ special education students would benefit if their teachers had better and more specific training.
That’s according to Suzanne Lee, an advocate from the Council for Exceptional Children.
The special education teachers “are supposed to be equally well qualified to teach students who are following the (general education) scope and sequence and heading off to college and need accommodations and supports, as well as kids with severe multiple disabilities learning to communicate basic needs, to kids who are learning to function independently in the community; kids whose behavior interferes so significantly that they’re in restrictive, self-contained classroom placements.
“That’s one endorsement in Illinois.”
Lee told the State Board of Education to consider her words in developing new standards for teacher training.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]