Teacher and Leader Preparation:

The Arizona CEEDAR team – referred to as the Arizona Coalition for Educator Preparation and Practice (ACEPP) – is an active coalition in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE), Arizona State University (ASU), University of Arizona (UA), Northern Arizona University(NAU), Rio Salado College, Grand Canyon University (GSU), and the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) are collaborating to enhance teacher preparation and leader support in Arizona with targeted initiatives in (a) data-driven decision making, (b) the inclusion of high-leverage practices (HLPs) in the curriculum of preparation programs and professional learning in the state, (c) practice opportunities in virtual environments, and (d) partnerships between institutes of higher education and public education agencies to support teacher retention in Arizona. These initiatives are critical to improving learning outcomes for all of Arizona’s students, with a focus on students with disabilities.

Preparation Program Approval: 

ACEPP is providing targeted recommendations relating to data-based decision making and HLPs to the ADE section administering program approval guidelines.

Certification/Licensure:

Prior to beginning CEEDAR intensive technical assistance with Arizona, the state revised teacher certification to improve the capacity of special educators to support students with disabilities. Because of these changes, certification/licensure has not been a top priority for ACEPP. However, ACEPP provides recommendations to the ADE when certification changes are proposed. For example, ACEPP provided recommendations to ADE when endorsements were proposed for general education teachers seeking certification in special education.