The University of Florida will spend the next five years helping states make general and special education classroom teachers more effective in their work with students with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Education said earlier this year it would devote $25 million to such an effort. The university will receive $5 million for each of the next five years to create the new Collaboration for Educator Development and Accountability and Reform.
Under the plan, the center will work with states to strengthen professional standards as well as preparation and certification programs for teachers and school leaders who work with students with disabilities.
Other organizations, including the American Institutes for Research, will be partners in the effort. The university plans to eventually roll out a program for improving special education to 20 states.
