A Rural University’s Response to the Polycrisis Facing Special Education Teacher Education
This journal article from Rural Special Education Quarterly analyzes the converging challenges of special education, known as polycrisis. Polycrisis defines issues pertaining to teacher shortages, declining enrollment in preparation programs, and high attrition rates. To address the crisis, the authors have redesigned their undergraduate special education program into a unified birth–age 21 preparation model. The key features of the program include a unified curriculum aligned with competencies and standards from early childhood; an emphasis on culturally responsive, family-centered practices; and priorities regarding student well-being and mental health. The article highlights the key features and rationale of the integrated curriculum, focusing on culturally responsive practices, student well-being, and experiential learning. This resource could be helpful to leaders looking to attract, prepare, and retain special education teachers in rural contexts.