MEDIA CONTACT:

February 24, 1999 José A. Alvarez (619) 594-2585

jose.alvarez@sdsu.edu

 

SDSU Offers Special Education Scholarships for College Graduates

 

If you are or soon will be a college graduate and are interested in pursuing a career in special education, then San Diego State University wants you. SDSU,s College of Education is looking for 16 qualified liberal studies majors to receive tuition free scholarships from its Department of Special Education.

"We are looking for candidates who are interested in working with students from different ethnic backgrounds," said Dr. Patricia Cegelka, professor of special education at SDSU and director of the scholarship program.

According to Dr. Cegelka, priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups.

"The goal is to attract a more diverse student body," added the professor, explaining that in California only 15 percent of the special education teachers come from underrepresented groups compared to 58 percent of special education students. "It,s a tremendous mismatch."

The selected candidates will be required to register for a six-week summer session which will allow them to complete the prerequisites for the one-year credentialing program (Students will also have the option of completing the program in two years).

 

 

 

Special Education

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They will receive a tuition free scholarship along with a book and living

stipend. Funding for the awards comes from a $200,000 per year, three-year

grant from the United States Office of Education.

"The need for special education teachers is enormous," concluded Dr.

Cegelka, indicating that about 30 percent of special education teachers in

California are not fully certified.

Deadline for applications is March 25. Applications are available at the

North Education Building, rooms 70 and 74. For more information, call

(619) 594-6665 or (619) 594-3745.

 

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