Background

PROBLEM

Our surveys indicate that many children in California do not have access to instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).

CAUSES

• In California, the combination of state and federal law requires assessment and instruction in only three of the nine areas of the ECC:  Compensatory and Functional Academic Skills, Assistive Technology, and Orientation & Mobility.

• There is a statewide shortage of qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) and Orientation & Mobility Specialists (O&Ms) to provide this specialized instruction.  As a result, in many geographic areas throughout the state, there are

  • School districts with no TVI or O&M to provide services, and

  • School districts with TVI and O&Ms with excessive workloads.

POLICY CHANGE RECOMMENDED

• Recognition of the Expanded Core Curriculum, in addition to the Core Curriculum, as the measure of Appropriate education for students with visual impairments under the legal definition of Free Appropriate Public Education.

• Department of Education support for the university training programs for TVIs and O&Ms, targeting

  • Grants to training programs for both maintenance and growth,

  • Recruitment of candidates to these training programs,

  • Scholarships to candidates in these training programs, and

  • Incentives to TVIs and O&Ms to remain in the field.

• Statewide standards for TVI and O&M workloads to allow LEAs plan for adequate staffing to meet student need.

STRATEGY

• Obtain more detailed information on the status of ECC instruction and on the barriers to providing it.

• Involve the community of TVIs, O&Ms, parents, students, and adult consumers in developing an action plan.

• Consolidate community support around the plan.

• Keep stakeholders informed and involved.