Introducing the Graduation to Certification Program

English Version

It is fall and a new academic year is underway.  May feels far off, but for the CATIE Center at St. Catherine University, we are focused on what comes after graduation for current IEP students.   With a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the CATIE Center is working to design, pilot and evaluate a graduation to certification (GTC)  model program based on evidence-based practices. A major goal is to demonstrate approaches that reduce the average time it takes IEP graduates who are ready to sit for the performance versions of the NIC or CDI tests. The RSA requires that the program be an experiential learning model that is accessible to individuals across the nation and to those with family/work responsibilities. Further, the program must include: at least 150 hours of interacting and learning with Deaf people in the community, a community of practice, and mentoring/coaching. We are also striving to increase the involvement of those from underrepresented groups i.e. communities of color, people speaking at least three languages, rural residents,  and Deaf people in interpreting programs at all levels – from students to mentors to educators.

As a CIT member, we need your help in spreading the word to potential GTC participants.  Please share the following announcement with your students and direct them to our website at grad2cert.org.