Certification and Special Education Leadership Personnel: an Analysis of State Standards

Abstract

The study describes recent changes that have taken place in state certification standards as they apply to special education leadership personnel. Data were collected from the 50 state education agencies regarding certification of special education administrators and supervisors. An analysis of these data revealed that a number of changes have occurred. There are presently 30 states that have some provision for the certification of the leadership position in special education. However, specific criteria for certification vary a great deal across states. Several states confirmed that they are in the process of developing or revising their certification standards for special education administrators and/or supervisors.