Project PARITY will fund scholarships for multilingual teachers of color to earn advanced credentials

Dr. Tamar F. Riley, Associate Professor of Special Education, has been awarded a $1.25 million federal grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for her innovative Project PARITY (Preparing Advanced Responsive Interventionists for Teaching Youth). This five-year grant aims to provide scholarships for special education teachers seeking Class AA certification through the Education Specialist Degree (EdS) program.

Project PARITY will fully fund 30 multilingual teachers of color to become expert interventionists, equipping them to design, implement, and evaluate tier 3 evidence-based interventions that incorporate culturally responsive practices for students with disabilities. Selected scholars will receive comprehensive training over two years, supported by both financial and non-financial resources.

“This grant presents a significant opportunity to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for K-12 students with disabilities through specialized, collaborative training provided by AAMU faculty and field experts,” said Riley. “The funding will not only enhance enrollment in our graduate programs but will also empower school districts across the state with highly effective interventionists who specialize in coaching and mentoring teachers to ensure high-quality instruction for all students.”

The grant aligns with the Alabama State Department of Education's initiatives to support student access to evidence-based interventions delivered by well-trained educators. Over the five-year period, the project will track the progress of participating scholars to demonstrate the positive impact of Project PARITY training within the EdS in Special Education program at Alabama A&M University.

Selection for Cohort 1 is anticipated to commence in May 2025. For more information about Project PARITY, please contact Dr. Tamar Riley at tamar.riley@aamu.edu.