Program Information
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Individuals enrolled in or who wish to enroll in one of the five participating universities and who are seeking endorsement in severe disabilities (Adapted Curriculum K-12). Applicants must meet admission requirements of the university to which they are applying (see “How Do I Apply”).
What are the Program Requirements?
The SD Consortium has developed a state approved, 33 credit hour program that leads to state endorsement in SD. The program consists of nine 3-credit classes offered annually. Four additional credit hours of hands-on practicum are taken concurrent with specific classes, allowing trainees to apply the concepts learned in class to actual school settings. Students enrolled full-time are able to complete the entire program in one calendar year. Most students attend part-time and complete the program over a longer period.
Students who accept tuition stipends may be required to complete a service obligation in which they are required to teach in special education for a certain period of time. Program participants are also expected to maintain a 3.0 average to remain eligible for funding. Because of the emphasis on technology, participants are also expected to be competent computer users and have access to a reliable internet connection and email account.
Individuals who currently hold a VA conditional license in the area of severe disabilities (or Adapted Curriculum K-12) are eligible for the “State Grant” funded by the Virginia Department of Education. The “Federal Grant” funded by the US Department of Education is designated for preservice teachers seeking endorsement in severe disabilities (Adapted Curriculum K-12) which may include undergraduate students and career switchers who do not currently hold a teaching license. Grant assignment has implications for funding and tuition only, and does not affect program requirements such as the number of required courses. Upon acceptance into the SD Consortium, students will be notified of their assignment grant and the requirements for accepting funding under that grant.
How is the SD Consortium Unique?
Individuals interested in applying to the SD Consortium must meet the admission requirements of their selected university to enroll in classes at that university. Furthermore, individuals need to complete the SD Consortium application and submit to the SD faculty member at their selected university. Applications must be received and reviewed well in advance before students are eligible to enroll in a course. Decisions about tuition support are determined by the faculty contact at each university, and are contingent on acceptance into the program.
Please note that application procedures for each university vary. However, all applicants must have passed Praxis I or the SAT/ACT equivalent for admission into the SD Consortium. For more complete information, including application procedures and an application, visit the Consortium website at http://www.kihd.gmu.edu/sdc.
What Courses Are Offered?
- Positive Behavior Support*
- Curriculum and Assessment*
- Positioning and Handling
- Communication and Severe Disabilities*
- Teamwork and Consultation
- Teaching Strategies*
- Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities
- Transition and Community Based Instruction
- Reading and Literacy
Each course is offered annually according to the schedule below.
Fall Courses
Spring Courses
Summer Courses
*Courses require a 1-credit co-requisite of practicum experience
Faculty Contacts
George Mason University
Marci Kinas Jerome
mkinas@gmu.edu
Michael M. Behrmann
mbehrman@gmu.edu
(703)993-3670
Norfolk State University
June Harris
jlharris@nsu.edu
(757)823-9109
Radford University
Liz Altieri
ealtieri@radford.edu
(540)831-5590
University of Virginia
Martha Snell
snell@virginia.edu
(434) 924-0768
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fred Orelove
forelove@vcu.edu
(804)828-3908