Kentucky Grant to Train Teachers of the Visually Impaired

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

This state funded grant is to train Visual Impairment Professionals as Teachers of theVisually Impaired (TVIs) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists due to critical shortages in these areas. Since the start of the Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments in 2012, the University of Kentucky (UK) as enrolled four cohorts of students and is successfully graduating 10-15 students a year. The program continues to grow and reach students from all regions of Kentucky. In year six of the grant, the program will begin the development of an O&M master’s degree program by hiring a new faculty member with the goal of students starting in the fall of 2018. Monies from this grant will provide salaries for three full-time faculty member, as with two part-time instructors/field supervisors. In addition to teaching courses, faculty members supervise students, provide service to the field, engage in research, and provide technical assistance and outreach to districts across the state. A large portion of the funds will also go towards student funding, specifically those who are not eligible for or are unable to obtain funding through the Northern Kentucky Traineeship Funds. Aside for tuition support, money has been allocated to assist all students with course fees, distance learning fees, books, and materials. The remaining funds will also go towards program materials, equipment, travel, and programming for students. Currently 22 students have completed the Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments, 11 are anticipated to finish in 2017, and 13 are expected to complete the program in 2017. The most recent cohort to start the program, in the fall of 2016, consists of 13 students expected to complete the program in 2018. The program is currently accepting students to start the fifth cohort in the fall of 2017, in addition to a separate cohort for teachers and administrators from the Kentucky School for the Blind. These graduate level students continue to represent diverse backgrounds and locations across the state. The program reaches all students by offering both face-to-face and online classes in the evenings and weekends.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date7/1/179/30/18

Funding

  • KY Department of Education: $696,830.00

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