The goal of Project I-LEAD is to reduce local personnel shortage by preparing scholars to be practice leaders in their school contexts by enhancing their preparation to engage in effective, interdisciplinary, collaborative research-based services for students with severe LD who have high intensity needs.
Project I-LEAD competencies are specifically designed to support scholars in meeting the needs of students with severe learning disabilities (LD) in schools where we are currently experiencing a local personnel shortage of fully qualified school psychologists and special educators competent to provide research-based practices for these students.
Through shared coursework, fieldwork experience, and interdisciplinary proseminar, scholars will develop specialized competencies in:
- Data-based decision-making;
- Research use;
- Individualization; and
- Collaboration in the context of needs and services for students with severe LD.
Data-based decision-making.
Project I-LEAD scholars will:
- Apply research-based principles of measurement and assessment to select, implement, and interpret assessment instruments and practices for students with severe LD;
- Apply and integrate multiple methods of data collection to determine students’ needs, identify appropriate services, and evaluate the effectiveness of practices and services for students with LD; and
- Identify factors that influence educational outcomes and experiences of students with LD who come from culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
Research use.
Project I-LEAD scholars will:
- Identify and critically evaluate professional information on LD from lay/general and scholarly outlets;
- Identify and evaluate emergent issues in the LD field through critical consumerism of scholarly research; and
- Understand and apply principles of evidence-based practice to identify appropriate practice in specific contexts.
Individualization.
Project I-LEAD scholars will:
- Integrate student data and scholarly literature to identify appropriate individualized interventions for individuals with LD;
- Apply principles of differentiated instruction to support students’ academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional outcomes; and
- Identify, implement, and evaluate research-based educational and assistive technology to support students’ academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional outcomes.
Collaboration.
Project I-LEAD scholars will:
- Identify and implement appropriate collaborative practices that account for individual and family characteristics, needs, and preferences;
- Appropriately consult and collaborate with diverse providers and other stakeholders to support individual students;
- Understand and reflect on the influence of personal and professional attitudes and biases on decision making and interactions with students, families, and colleagues; and
- Apply research-based practices to promote non-discrimination, prevent stigma and bias, and promote high expectations, and culturally appropriate practice for students with LD.