University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
Contact: Patricia Edelen-Smith, 956-5203	Air Date: July 15, 1998

Accelerated programs to prepare special education teachers begin this fall at UHM   When the Felix consent decree created an urgent need for more special education teachers in Hawaii, UH's College of Education was quick to respond. Dean Randy Hitz announced that two accelerated programs will begin this fall. Qualified program participants can complete their studies in three to five semesters. The Master of Education fast-track program is a full-time graduate cohort program for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree and who want to become licensed teachers in special education. Course work is concentrated in three consecutive semesters followed by a field practicum which can be done as an employee of the Department of Education. The second program, which is in the final stages of approval by the University, is a Post-Baccalaureate program for individuals who are already licensed as elementary or secondary education teachers. The program can be completed in three consecutive semesters. This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo-Donovan.

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