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LD Certification Has New One-Year Option

By Justine Benzen
UW-RF News Bureau

MAY 13, 2005--To meet the increasing demand for teachers with learning disabilities certification, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has condensed its Learning Disabilities Teacher Certification program so students can complete the requirements in just one calendar year.

This program prepares certified teachers for certification in learning disabilities. Participants learn to teach students with learning disabilities through direct instruction or resource programs. They also learn to collaborate with general education teachers having individuals with learning disabilities in their classrooms to be more effective teachers of persons experiencing learning problems.

The program is geared toward individuals committed to working with children who have learning disabilities, including practicing teachers, paraprofessionals, teacher's aides, individuals working toward teacher certification, and individuals from other settings such as service providers and day care centers who work with children with learning disabilities.

Students in this program administer and interpret diagnostic tests and provide direct instruction to school-aged individuals. The core coursework then culminates in a practicum experience under the supervision of a certified teacher of learning disabilities.

"The program, which is originally a two-year program, has been condensed in response to market needs," said Barbara Rebhuhn, program coordinator and associate professor of psychology. "The program was introduced last summer and is a fairly recent option for education professionals."

Rebhuhn has spent 10 years teaching students with learning disabilities at the elementary and middle school level plus seven years as a director of special education and 15 years of teaching learning disabilities educators at the university level.

In summer semester 2005, courses such as Assessment and Diagnosis of Exceptional Children and Interventions for Students with Learning Disabilities will be offered. In fall semester 2005, participants enroll in Assessment and Diagnosis of Exceptional Children-Practicum and Interventions for Students with Learning Disabilities-Practicum. Finally, spring semester 2006, classes include Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Learning Disabilities Practicum/Student Teaching.

For more information on cost and admission to the program, visit www.uwrf.edu/outreach, e-mail ld@uwrf.edu, or contact UW-RF outreach and graduate studies at 715/425-3256.

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Last updated: Monday, 16-May-2005 12:14:31 CDT