TITLE

Respecialization in Special Education (RISE) Program -- Alternative Certification Program for Special Education

HISTORY

Began in 1990.

MOTIVATION

Response to the shortage of fully certified special education teachers in Hawaii.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

Special Education, Kindergarten through grade 12.

WHO OPERATES

Hawaii State Department of Education.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

Completion of a state approved teacher education program in a field other than special education.

Passing scores on the required Praxis assessments.

And a special education teaching position with the Hawaii State Department of Education.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

RISE is a one-year, integrated, on-the-job training program consisting of formal coursework and field experience. The program is based on competencies identified as critical to become an effective special education teacher.

The courses are designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to provide appropriate services to students with disabilities. Participants are provided with continuous on-site support from the RISE staff.

The formal instruction involves seminars covering Foundations of Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Classroom

Management, and Professional Development, as well as the on-the-job supervision. During the supervised internship, knowledge and theory are integrated into practical classroom applications with an ongoing individual assessment component, supervision, on-site support, and the assessment of competencies.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

No university credits are given. The applicant is given 6 workshop credits from the Department of Education upon successful completion of RISE requirements for the seminars, classroom observations, and Praxis.

WHO EVALUATES

Program Director.

LENGTH OF TIME

One year. Total of 20 sessions, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as the one year of supervision while on-the-job.