What is Project STAY?
Project STAY stands for Supporting teachers of autism in years 1-3
Project STAY aims to develop an induction program that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of beginning teachers of students with autism working in high-needs schools or districts.
Who Funds Project STAY?
Project STAY is funded by the U.S department of education, institute of education sciences (IES award #r324B210017).
Why Project STAY?
Special education teachers working in high-needs schools or districts are more likely to leave their positions than teachers in adequately resourced schools. this high rate of turnover is costly, both in terms of fiscal resources lost and the impact it has on student Achievement. teachers of students with autism are at an especially high risk of leaving due to the unique needs of this population. Fortunately, high quality induction programs based on research-based practices have been shown to positively impact teacher retention and student outcomes.
How does Project STAY Align with Policy?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recognizes the value of high-quality induction programs and the impact they have on retention and student outcomes. As such, PDE has renewed their commitment to support the development and implementation of high-quality induction programs to retain teachers, especially among teachers working in high-needs schools or districts, by dedicating funding to the implementation of such programs (PDE, 2019).
Pennsylvania Department of education. (2019, may). every student succeeds act: pennsylvania consolidated state plan. harrisburg, pA: Pennsylvania department of education