Leading, Educating, Advocating-Directors of Special Education (LEADS)

Abstract The Kentucky LEADS (Leading, Educating, Advocating-Directors of Special Education) Academy proposal to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) focuses on leadership development, recruitment and retention. In partnership with Kentucky’s Part C, Early Intervention Services, Morehead State University, Western Kentucky University, and Murray State University, the Kentucky Parent Training and Information (PTI) center, National Technical Assistance Centers and professional service providers across the state, the Kentucky LEADS Academy will collaborate with 15 regional special education service providers, 4 national centers in addition to state associations and advisory groups to address three goals: Goal 1(Recruit): Increase the number of persons who attain the state''s initial level of Advanced Educational Leader- Director of Special Education certification to ensure that there is an adequate pipeline of eligible applicants to serve as state, regional, and local leaders to promote high expectations and improve early childhood and educational outcomes for children with disabilities and their families, Goal 2 (Retain): Increase and nurture the number of persons whose job description includes supervising, directing, administering, or coordinating special education programs who have attained the state''s highest level of Advanced Educational Leader- Director of Special Education certification, Goal 3 (Increase Capacity): Expand and enhance the existing state network to ensure that state, regional, and local leaders have the knowledge, skills, and access necessary to improve early childhood and educational outcomes for children with disabilities and their families through the systems that serve them.