May 15, 2002
Contact: Vicki Potts (509-963-1425/e-mail: pottsv@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Washington, like many other states, is experiencing severe shortages in special education teachers and related services personnel such as school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists.
As a way to help fill the void, since 1995, RSVP Washington (Recruitment/Retention System for Vital Personnel in Washington State) has distributed Conditional Award in Special Education (CASE). RSVP Washington officials have announced 42 students from Washington and Oregon have been selected as CASE recipients for 2001-02.
The CASE program assists individuals obtain special education teaching degrees, endorsements or the necessary credentials to pursue careers in public school special education and related services professions in Washington’s 296 public school districts. The awards may be used for educational expenses, including defrayment of tuition costs. The program is funded by the Special Services Division of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to recruit special education professionals into the state’s public schools.
For additional information, contact RSVP Washington at (509) 963-1425, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323, or visit their Web site at www.rsvpwashington.org. Central Washington University houses the office for RSVP Washington in Ellensburg.
