The Critical Shortage of Personnel: We Need a Solution! Eileen Bischof, Ph.D. Specialized Education Associates, LLC Sandra Lewis, Ed.D. Florida State University

How do we ensure that students have successful outcomes in an age of serious personnel shortages? What is the Problem?

To ensure that students and clients with visual impairments are provided quality services by professionals who have the knowledge and skills to identify and meet their immediate and long-term education and rehabilitation needs. What is our goal?

Factors Leading to Current Shortages Specialized knowledge and skills needed to address student/client needs Retirements Fewer people choosing education careers Increased rigor on FTCE Limited awareness of field Factors Leading to Current Shortages

Factors Leading to Current Shortages FSU’s requirements for entry to teacher education Based on increased rigor demanded by accreditation agencies Limited PhD types to teach at universities Limited or inaccurate data on district/agency needs $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Factors Leading to Current Shortages

Additional Factors to Impact Shortages Increased responsibilities of TVIs Changes in eligibility requirements Paperwork demands Increased focus on academic performance, graduation rates, statewide testing, etc. DBS requirement that agencies hire TVIs for Blind Babies, Children’s, and Transition programs and certified O&M specialists to work at CRPs Additional Factors to Impact Shortages

Graduation from state-approved teacher education program (FSU) Must pass all parts of FTCE Must pass 15 specific courses in teaching children with visual impairments Must pass internship Bachelor’s degree in any field and pass all parts of the FTCE Paths to Providing Instruction of Students with Visual Impairments in Florida

Bring certification from another state (reciprocity) Teach out of field with district approval Other state’s approaches: RESA/district level training (Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs)) Paths to Providing Instruction of Students with Visual Impairments in Florida

Professional Preparation in Florida TVI Junior/Senior/Master’s Degree program at Tallahassee and Pinellas County Stand alone Master’s Degree O&M Add on at graduate level (3 courses plus internship) Professional Preparation in Florida

Professional Preparation in Florida VRT Has not been offered at FSU since 2010 Out of state preparation options Portland State University, UMass Boston, Salus University Professional Preparation in Florida

How is your district/agency solving the problem of shortages?

How Will Districts Cope? Increase the caseloads of TVIs to unmanageable numbers Decrease the services that some students are receiving (i.e., students with low vision, students with cognitive impairments) Eliminate services or reduce IEP time Hire unprepared teachers and support their acquisition of TVI skills How Will Districts Cope?

How Will Districts Cope? Contract with service providers Health-based staffing agencies Professional-based corporations Hire retired TVIs part time or for limited activities (i.e., assessment, teaching technology, braille instruction) Hire, train, and carefully oversee/monitor TVI assistants How Will Districts Cope?

Possible Preparation Solutions Online/Hybrid preparation of TVIs, VRTs, and O&M specialists Online/Hybrid preparation of individuals preparing to take TVI test Online/Hybrid preparation of individuals who have passed the TVI test Develop a program to prepare assistants who could support TVIs in their work and who might be able to continue education toward certification (with or without on-the-job training) Possible Preparation Solutions

Possible Recruitment Strategies Replace yourself! Identify local high school students to mentor into the profession Shadowing, discussions with guidance counselors, peer teachers and reading buddies, VI clubs Possible Recruitment Strategies