In The Moment ... February 19, 2019 Show 518 Hour 2
According to stats from the Department of Education, 14 percent of SD students have disabilities, 1 point higher than the national average of 13 percent. The state already employs 900 special education teachers to serve its 156 school districts. But that may not be enough.
Many states, including SD, have what it's called a non-categorical certification, meaning the first level of licensure is aimed at preparing teachers to work with students who have mild-to-moderate disabilities.
Augustana University's online Masters in Special Ed program is designed for teachers who are already certified, to avoid the complications of having to require clinical experience.
Laurie Daily, Chair of Augustana University's Education Department joined us with more insight on the shortage of Special Ed educators in SD, and what Augustana is doing locally to solve it.
Education and healthcare reporting on SDPB is supported by Regional Health, helping patients and communities live well.
