Use of Technology for Professional Development l Alternative

Use of Technology for Professional Development l Alternative Teacher Certification Program l Education Training Modules Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Alternative Teacher Certification Identified Needs l Certified Special Education Teachers l Content sufficient for teachers to pass the Praxis II in Special Education l Flexible delivery model to provide training for DJJ teachers statewide

Alternative Teacher Certification How Needs Were Addressed Researched existing programs l Developed partnerships l • • Georgia Professional Standards Commission Georgia Public Broadcasting Georgia Department of Education Learning House, Inc.

Alternative Teacher Certification What was Developed Alternative Teacher Certification Program available to currently certified teachers in the DJJ School System. l Program to enable teachers to attain clear renewable interrelated special education certification. l

Alternative Teacher Certification 10 Academic Modules l l l Introduction to students with disabilities Intellectual Disabilities Specific Learning Disabilities Characteristics of special education students Behavior management l l l Emotional Behavior Disorders Assessment of students with disabilities Teaching of reading Adapting curriculum to special needs youth Resources for special education students

Alternative Teacher Certification Implementation § § § E Learning format/Web. CT used to deliver modules On line content instructors provided for each module. Textbooks, videos and other resources provided on site. Mentor teachers assigned to each candidate Partnered with Armstrong State Atlantic University to offer Masters Degree Program

Alternative Teacher Certification Outcomes 106 probationary certified teachers l 32 clear renewable certified teachers l 100% pass rate on the PRAXIS II l Proven successful delivery model l Recognized in Governor’s Newsletter for best use of technology in instruction l

Alternative Teacher Certification Future Considerations Refine and update the 10 instructional modules in accord with new IDEA 2004 regulations. l Develop accelerated teacher certification program to meet highly qualified teacher requirements. l

Education Training Modules Identified Needs l l l Consistency in programming statewide. Prompt orientation of new staff (teachers, clerks, correctional officers, administrators). Reduction of travel and staff time for training. Improvement of teacher and staff performance. Delivery model suitable for individuals or groups.

Education Training Modules Development l l Developed Training CD’s under contract with The Learning House Inc. Written by the DJJ education staff. Filmed on location at school sites with college student actors and DJJ staff. Developed training manuals with tests to accompany each module.

Education Training Modules 7 Training CD’s § § § § Education Program Overview Curriculum Special Education SST/ 504 Behavior Management Student Records Transition Services

Education Training Modules Outcomes l l Incorporated training modules into the SACS School Improvement Plan System wide focus on administrator responsibility for staff development. Uniform data collection on quarterly reports regarding training activities. Tool to control “program drift. ”

Presenters l l Dr. Tom O’Rourke, Associate Superintendent, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Mr. Jack Catrett, Director, Special Education Program, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Education 404 -508 -6588