Special Education Administration at a Crossroads: Availability, Licensure, and Preparation of Special Education Administrators.

Overview & Synopsis

This report reviews the availability, licensure, and preparation of special education administrators in K-12 public school districts. It notes that the shortage of special education administrators is difficult to measure due to variations in licensure and certification requirements among states. Individual sections of the report address the following topics: supply and demand of special education administrators; preparation program availability, content, and standards-driven reforms for special education leadership preparation; certification and licensure; and support and development of the special education work force. It finds that preservice training has fluctuated and that there are fewer training programs available than previously. Training has shifted more to on-the-job or been absorbed by general educational administration programs. A major problem facing special education administrators is the recruitment, retention, and professional development of special education personnel. Special education administrators are challenged to promote collaboration between general and special education teachers and to collaborate with principals in order to assure that high quality educational programs are accessible to all students. (Contains 34 references.) (DB)