The Ohio Deans Compact on Exceptional Children is seeking nominations to increase its membership by a limited number beginning in September 2021. Members will serve two-year terms, which will take effect with the 2021-22 project year.
The Compact’s overriding mission is to affect Ohio’s system of preparation and personnel development in ways that contribute to the creation of a unified system of education responsive to the needs of all learners, thus improving the capacity of all educators [i.e., teachers, general education teachers, special education intervention specialists, related services providers (e.g., school psychologists), administrators, paraprofessionals, and others who interact with and have a role in supporting student learning] to more effectively teach and support every child. It is important to note that the Compact should not be construed as “the special education group,” nor is it the intent of the Compact to “fix special education.”
To that end, the Compact is partnering with the national CEEDAR Center to extend the learning of our members, as well as to contribute to the collective learning of our colleagues in other parts of the country.
If you’re interested in being considered for membership, or if you would like to nominate a colleague for membership, please complete and return the attached Nomination/Application for Membership form as indicated no later than August 16, 2021.
About the Compact
The Compact supports an incentive grant program, supports efforts to diversify the educator workforce, coordinates a P20 literacy collaborative in support of Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement, hosts an annual statewide conference, and addresses relevant issues in partnership with member groups, such as SUED, OAPCTE, and OCPEA. All Compact members serve on one of the Compact’s four standing committees (i.e., Impact Evaluation, Policy, Dissemination, Low Incidence). The Compact meets quarterly in September, December, March, and June. Quarterly meetings follow a day-and-a-half format with day one typically beginning around 3:00 pm and ending around 6:00 pm (if virtual) or 8:00 pm (if in person), and day two beginning at 8:00 am and ending at/around noon (if virtual) or 2:00 pm (if in person).
We all know the critical importance that strong preparation plays in improving the capacity of teachers, administrators, related services personnel, and others to improve achievement and results for all children and youth, including those with disabilities and other learning challenges. Further, relevant and rigorous preparation programs, particularly when aligned with ongoing systems of personnel development, provide a foundation for supporting school districts in their efforts to make and sustain continuous improvements as learning organizations.
The Ohio Deans Compact on Exceptional Children is primarily supported through a grant with the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Ohio Department of Education or Offices within it, and you should not assume endorsement by the Ohio Department of Education.