Over the past decade, there have been several changes in public education. Many of these have affected both current and upcoming teachers, such as their training requirements and the methods of acceptable classroom instruction.
In the 2005/2006 school year, teachers became required to obtain a highly qualified determination in core subject areas.
Occasionally, some circumstances warrant flexibility. But, the goal for all public schools is that every teacher is highly qualified to teach their class.
One of the measures of teacher competency is how well they provide for students with disabilities in the classroom. This has also served as a motivation behind some of the changes that have taken place in recent years.
Read on to find out if dual certification is the best solution for teaching students with disabilities!
The Role of Today’s Teachers
Teachers are often responsible for mixed levels of instruction that include both students with and without disabilities. But, schools and lawmakers have become more aware of the challenges that students with disabilities face in education. As a result, there have been increasing efforts to develop teachers who are capable of meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Many classrooms include students with a wide range of ability levels. These classrooms, known as inclusion classes, have a mix of both general and special education students.
Some schools have teachers that teach students in separate classes. One of their classes may be in a core subject area, while the other might be for special education courses.
What Is Dual Certification?
Dual certification gives teachers an option to become certified in more than one area of instruction.
When a teacher obtains a four-year degree, they become certified to teach one grade level or one subject area. So, if a teacher has their elementary certification, they teach general elementary students.
Dual certification allows teachers to take extra courses and pass the exam to get certification in another area. Teachers may then qualify to teach other subjects or grade levels.
Who Does Dual Certification Benefit?
Dual certification has many advantages. It can benefit teachers, students, and school systems. It also offers a possible solution to some of the problems facing schools and the special education system.
Here is a closer look at some of the ways these groups can benefit from dual certification.
1. Teachers
Obtaining one’s dual certification makes teachers more marketable to employers. It also means that they may be more valuable to their school system than other teachers who only have certification in one area.
Teachers have greater job security. But, teachers with dual certification can also negotiate a higher salary than their peers.
2. Schools
Schools also gain from teachers obtaining dual certification. It can be especially helpful for school systems that struggle financially. And, it can help those that have trouble filling teacher positions.
When teachers get certified in two areas, they can teach two types of classes to different groups of students.
So, they might have math classes, as well as special education classes. Or, they might teach science and art classes. Or, they could teach a combination of courses, based on their certifications.
This helps the school to fill two positions with one teacher. And, it also reduces the amount they would pay for two salaries to one.
This is a solution for rural school systems or other areas where finding teachers present a challenge. And, since it cuts the amount that the school system would pay for two teachers, it also helps to reduce expenditures.
3. Students
Schools and the teachers gain from dual certification. But, the students stand to gain as well.
Teachers are still required to meet highly qualified status in their subject areas. This applies even if they are teaching two or more subjects or different ages or groups of students.
In the past, teachers who had obtained one certification might have to teach another group of students as well. This meant that students may not receive high-quality instruction, because of the lack of training and certification.
Now, except in rare situations, students know their teacher is highly qualified to teach their class.
In schools that are struggling and maintain a limited staff, this means that students don’t suffer. Their teacher may have another group of students or the subject that they teach. But, they still have the skills necessary to provide instruction to both groups.
Students With Disabilities In the Classroom
In recent years, schools have begun teaching students with disabilities in general education classrooms. These classrooms contain both general education students and those with special needs.
Inclusion classrooms of this variety are recommended by special education student advocates. They believe that students with disabilities are more likely to learn and develop in many ways in regular classes.
An inclusion classroom often has an aid or another teacher to help students with disabilities in the classroom. But, the other teacher or aid might not have special education certification.
In years past, teachers providing instruction in inclusion classrooms would have general education certification. But, they may not have special education certification.
Students with disabilities might become frustrated in a general education class. Sometimes, students’ learning and self-esteem can be affected.
Many general education teachers only have limited training in special education. They may not recognize students’ disabilities. Or, they might not know the best strategies for teaching their students with disabilities.
This can be frustrating for teachers, students, and their parents.
Potential Problems With Inclusion Classrooms
Some believe that inclusion classrooms have not adequately met the needs of students with disabilities. Teachers have their qualification to provide instruction to students without disabilities. But, they often lack training for the special education population.
For example, a certified teacher in elementary core subjects may teach students with disabilities, too. They might lack the skills to best teach their students with disabilities.
Students with disabilities might not receive proper instruction. And, their learning might suffer as a result.
Many professionals agree on some benefits for students with disabilities in inclusion classrooms. But, there are other ways that these classrooms may place students at a disadvantage.
Special education students in inclusion classes haven’t performed substantially better on standardized tests. And, the outcomes for these students have not shifted the way one might hope.
A Better Solution For Students With Disabilities
The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities be offered free public education, and ensures that these students receive special education and related services. But, many schools have implemented this by providing accommodations and “extra help”, rather than providing instructional services specifically geared towards students with disabilities.
Now, by requiring teachers to be highly qualified in instructional subjects, students with disabilities are receiving instruction by teachers who are certified in special education.
Dual certification allows teachers to gain certification to teach general instruction. This means they can also teach the peers of students with disabilities.
This way, students with disabilities can receive the benefits of inclusion classrooms. At the same time, teachers must have special education certification and training to meet their needs.
The highly qualified determination requirement and dual certification help students with disabilities. They can receive the best possible education in the most beneficial atmosphere.
Students in inclusion classrooms will continue to reap social and developmental benefits. But, they now stand to benefit academically as well.
Find Out More About Issues In Education
Teaching students with disabilities in the classroom can be a challenge. But, it also comes with many rewards. Dual certification may not be the easiest route for teachers. But, it ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets their needs.
For students with disabilities, dual certification offers new possibilities. And, it gives these students hope for brighter future outcomes.
Students will be able to thrive academically while developing alongside their peers. This will help all students to learn valuable lessons that they couldn’t if separated because of their disability.
Teaching has never been an easy calling. And no one is aware of the difficulties of teaching more than the teachers themselves. Providing students with the best possible education and environment is a win-win for everyone.
Staying informed about important issues in education can help you grow in your career. And, it can help you be the best teacher that you can be.
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