Project TURTLES: Project Training special edUcatoRs To Lead with Evidence and Support
Project Training special edUcatoRs To Lead with Evidence and Support (TURTLES) is funded by a $3.7 million grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) within the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of Project TURTLES is to address national and state-identified shortages in special education personnel who are well qualified for, and can act effectively as, leaders in special education positions.
Project TURTLES is a collaboration between George Mason University and two partnering universities, Auburn University (AU) and the University of Oklahoma [OU].
The project will prepare 24 doctoral scholars (8 per university) with the specialized skillset needed to be successful in special education leadership positions in a range of educational settings (e.g., state education agencies, lead agencies under Part C of IDEA, local educational agencies, or contemporary school-choice settings).
Scholar preparation will emphasize research- and evidence-based instructional and leadership practices known to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families as a means to improve instruction, interventions, and services, as well as recruitment and retention of highly-qualified teachers. In exchange for two years of service for every year of funding, scholars will receive substantial support to complete their doctoral programs within four years.
