DOTHAN – The State of Alabama has awarded Troy University an $18,000 grant to develop plans for a new Secondary Collaborative Education Program. The award is part of a state initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of “highly qualified” collaborative education teachers for grades 6 through 12.

The purpose of the State Improvement Grant, which is a federal grant awarded by the Alabama Department of Education, is to prepare, recruit and retain special education teachers in the State of Alabama, according to Dr. Robin Bynum, chair of the Troy University College of Education Curriculum and Teaching Department.

As part of the initiative, the Department of Education has assembled a Secondary Collaborative Model Taskforce. Representatives from Troy University serve on the taskforce; and TROY is among 12 institutions receiving funding to help develop a program.

The goal, Bynum said, is “to develop a new program to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind, as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).”

To assist in the planning process, Troy University has invited area K-12 administrators, general education and special education teachers to participate. In June, representatives from eleven area school systems met on the Dothan Campus to provide suggestions.

“Their input is going to help us,” Bynum said. “They will let us know what is needed, and how to better prepare our teacher candidates.”

Elba High School Principal Johnny Dunn was among those attending the recent planning conference.

“It is important that we have the highest quality regular education and special education teachers who are able to work together,” Dunn said. “We want them to be able to get that training in college, so they can be their best in the classroom.”

Janice Hawkins, education specialist with the Alabama Department of Education Division of Special Education Services, said the partnership is crucial.

“I am very proud to be part of this,” Hawkins said. “We have never had an example of this kind of collaboration between higher education and K-12.”

Once TROY has devised a plan, University representatives will meet with other taskforce members to share ideas and explore ways to implement them.

“The end result will be to prepare teachers to teach collaboratively to meet the needs of all Alabama students,” Hawkins said.

For more information, contact Dr. Robin Bynum at the Troy Campus at (334) 670-3444.