Departmentwide Coordination at the U.S. Department of Education Could Enhance Teacher Preparation for Instructing Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
August 20, 2009
Departmentwide Coordination at the U.S. Department of Education Could Enhance Teacher Preparation for Instructing Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners, according to GAO

Despite recent steps by the majority of teacher preparation programs to prepare teachers for instructing students with disabilities and English language learners, many programs faced challenges in providing this training, according to a report released on August 19, 2009 by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO study found that while federal grants, research, and technical assistance that can be used to support teachers in helping these students are available, the management and oversight of this assistance is spread among numerous U.S. Department of Education offices and is insufficiently coordinated.  Thus, Department of Education offices may not benefit from the expertise available in the department to assist teachers in instructing these students. The GAO strongly recommends that the Secretary of Education implement systematic coordination among all program offices that oversee assistance for teachers working with students with disabilities and with English Language Learners.  


See also:

GAO: Multiple Federal Education Offices Support Teacher Preparation for Instructing Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners, but Systematic Departmentwide Coordination Could Enhance This Assistance

CHHCS: Special Education

CHHCS: Immigrant and Refugee Children