Purpose
Iowa GROWS is a five-year initiative designed to strengthen Iowa’s special education workforce and improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. The project will expand alternative pathways to special education licensure for substitute teachers, general education teachers, principals, and career changers while enhancing the skills of educators through a statewide repository of evidence-based professional learning. Expected outcomes include an increased number of qualified special education professionals, improved educator knowledge and instructional practices, strengthened community engagement, and sustainable systems that increase educator retention and improve educational results for students with disabilities.
Iowa GROWS will be implemented through partnerships with institutions of higher education, workforce organizations, state agencies, and ASK Resource Center to expand licensure pathways and deliver evidence-based professional learning. A dedicated project team will oversee grant implementation, technical assistance, and statewide coordination, while subrecipients develop coursework and family engagement resources. A comprehensive evaluation system will collect and analyze implementation and outcome data, monitor progress toward goals, inform continuous improvement, and provide regular reporting to stakeholders and the U.S. Department of Education to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Explore Cohort Projects
2026 Maine
The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) has developed a proposal to address two critical needs: the shortage of qualified special education teachers and the need for evidence based behavioral support systems for Maine's youngest learners.
2026 Wisconsin
STAIRS-WI is a statewide initiative designed to address Wisconsin’s critical shortage of special education teachers by expanding Registered Teacher Apprenticeship pathways and strengthening induction and retention supports.
2026 North Carolina
The North Carolina State Improvement Project (NC SIP) will provide comprehensive, high-quality professional development and follow up coaching that will inform state policies, resources, and partnerships for career pathway programs.