Radford University Tuition Free Online Special Topics Course: EDSP 660-Building Capacity for Inclusive Education in Public Schools

Description:

The Virginia Inclusive Practices Center at Radford University in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is providing a tuition free course designed specifically for 25 building level administrators, EDSP 660-Building Capacity for Inclusive Education in Public Schools. This course will be taught as a compressed, five-week online course for one summer session, Summer II (June 25-July 31, 2018). The course will meet on select Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. using Zoom video conferencing technology and the Desire2Learn learning management system. In addition, there will be asynchronous components that the participants will complete for course credit. Participants need access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection, along with audio and video capability. The purpose of the 3-credit special topics course is to increase the capacity of administrators in school divisions to support an inclusive philosophy and implement effective inclusive practices. The course is designed to address aspects of the VDOE Virginia Statewide Inclusion Action Plan which specifically aims to increase:

• the quality of the instructional practices for students with disabilities in general education settings;
• access for students with disabilities, preschool through graduation, who need significant supports to be engaged in instruction and socialization in settings with typically developing peers;
• the capacity of parents and school leadership to work together in building and maintaining inclusive schools; and
• the capacity in school divisions to provide ongoing professional development and support to schools’ for maintaining an inclusive philosophy and implementing effective practices.

The cost of applying to Radford University as a non-degree seeking student, tuition for the course, and textbooks will be at no cost to the participants. Space is limited to 25 building level administrators, with a minimum of two and no more than three from any one school division on a first-come, first served basis. School divisions are strongly encouraged to have at least two administrators participate and priority will be given to these schools/school divisions. School divisions that qualify are those not meeting State Performance Plan Indicator 5 goals for the percentage of time spent in general education settings.  To be eligible to apply, the individual must be a licensed building level administrator employed in an elementary, middle, or high school. Please consider completing the Participant Interest Form. The slots are filling up fast and the closing date is June 13.