Currently, there are no required courses for teachers who are special education certified (in CT) that explicitly address facilitation, mediation, understanding the law and compliance, or collaborative problem solving. This year-long, rich experience will build these competencies and increase the effectiveness of participants in this role.

Participants learn to

• facilitate team meetings;
• create and write clear and effective IEPs;
• engage in collaborative problem solving
• foster good faith relationships and collaboration;
• partner with district leaders to identify and implement a capstone project that addresses a needed change in practice to improve compliance and collaboration; and
• develop support networks to foster the implementation of best practices in the education of students with special needs.

Applicants work with their district leadership, in particular their Special Education Director, to file their application. It is assumed that your district Special Education Director will be aware of your application to the program and district or building administrators will approve your release for all scheduled activities. Please ensure you have this permission prior to submitting your application. Once accepted into the institute, your attendance and participation is required for each session.

This is a state-wide initiative. Practices are designed to support compliance with state and federal special education regulations.

The PPTLI model will consist of multiple courses and activities, offering face-to-face sessions and Online learning, a variety of assignments, coaching, and communities of practice, ending with a capstone project.