Accessing Curriculum in Educational Settings for all Students (Project ACCESS)

Chicago Cohort - LBS II in Multiple Disabilities

Masters Degree in Special Education with

LBS II Certification in Multiple Disabilities

 

The purpose of Project ACCESS is to develop highly skilled, innovative special education teachers who are able to (a) assist students with low incidence disabilities to access and progress in the general curriculum, (b) create inclusive educational environments, (c) work effectively with culturally diverse populations, (d) incorporate research-based practices into teaching practices and curricula, (e) ensure positive educational and transition outcomes for students with low incidence disabilities, and (f) build strong ties through collaboration with families, teachers, and other professionals.  This 2-year program is particularly designed for practicing professionals who are teaching students with low incidence disabilities in the Chicago Public Schools and wish to obtain an advanced certificate (LBSII) in multiple disabilities. The application deadline for the first cohort is November 15, 2009.  Classes will begin in Spring 2010.  A second cohort will begin in Spring 2012.

Eligibility

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field
• Current LBS1 certification in special education
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0
• Demonstrated interest in developing advanced skills in multiple disabilities
• Goals consistent with the program
• Preference will be given to professionals who are currently teaching students with multiple disabilities in the Chicago Public Schools

Program Support

• Tuition stipend (covers the cost of half of all courses)
• Participation in a cohort with other Chicago Public School teachers
• Supervised practicum in students’ current teaching setting
• On-site technical assistance provided by project faculty based in Chicago

Unique Features of the Program

• Methods of Course Delivery - Courses will be taught through a combination of methods including face-to-face instruction, interactive videoconferencing, and asynchronous activities.  All courses will be taught by U of I faculty members.
• Flexible and Convenient - Two courses will be offered each semester after school, including summer, in order to accommodate part-time study.  Courses will be held at a central location in downtown Chicago.
• Specialized Coursework and Topical Seminars - Students will receive concentrated coursework that prepares them to educate students with multiple disabilities.  Topical seminars will address advanced skills.
• Fieldwork Experiences - Students will complete a 300 hour supervised field experience in their current teaching setting.
• Research Experiences - Students will participate in a year long course that focuses on research methods.  The culminating activity of this course (and the program) will be an applied research project focused on implementing interventions with students with multiple disabilities.
• Service Learning Experience - All students will have the option of completing a service learning experience as part of their applied research project or supervised practicum experience.

Masters Program Application Process

Interested applicants should submit an application to the masters program in Special Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by going to the Department of Special Education website at http://education.illinois.edu/sped/AdmissionsMasters.html.  Applications for study beginning in Spring 2010 (i.e., cohort 1) are due November 15, 2009.

For More Information Please Contact:

Yvonne A. Carey, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator, ACCESS
ycarey@illinois.edu
773-350- 4746

Stacy K. Dymond, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Project Director, ACCESS
sdymond@illinois.edu
217-244-9763

Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.