AARC

2024-2025 Class Information

Registration for the 2024-2025 class has ended

Summary of Hours, Requirements and Policies

The program is held in three phases:

Experience	Phase I	Phase II	Phase III
Classroom Experiences	35 hours 30 hours of class 1 hour mentor meeting 4 hours follow up class with cohort	72 hours 70 hours of class 2 one hour mentor meetings with your mentor and/or the director. Can also be set up with on-site experts (e.g. the school psychologist to review how to write a test report)	12 hours 10 hours of class (to be done in two seminar sessions) 1 hour mentor meeting, by appointment 1 hour of portfolio defense, by appointment
Field work experiences	25 hours 9 hours mandatory with observation assignment 16 hours additional observations in various fields Additional hours can be completed and applied towards phase II…. known as “banking hours” Hours log to be kept	120 hours 60 hours can come from classroom time (working with students with disabilities in your classroom) 60 hours from various experience at various grade levels and with various disabilities…can include workshops, additional testing, PPT time…this is set up with your mentor Can be done after school, vacations, weekends, during plan time Can also be done during summer Hours log to be kept	50 hours More clinical time w students with disabilities, can also include a variety of PD opportunities Hours log to be kept
Job embedded assignments (hours spent on assignments)	Observation reflection from mandatory hours (4) Phase I portfolio assignments	50 hours Working on your Job embedded assignments Portfolio assignments Class homework as assigned and various readings	See portfolio defense above Praxis II (can be taken at any time after February class…unless candidate is trying to be certified under a DSAP) Foundations of Reading Test
Portfolio assignments	Assignments are outlined on portfolio list (description of assignments provided during first class, and can be found on blackboard)	The remainder of the portfolio assignments. Each class relates to at least 1 assignment.	Your permanent virtual portfolio is populated once assignments are corrected.

AARC FAQ

View our AARC Slide Deck here

Do I have to be certified to participate in this AARC?

Yes. An advanced ARC is one in which the applicant holds a valid current teaching certificate for 3 years or more in the state of CT. An example would be elementary education certification, or certification in a content area. If you have questions regarding the qualification of your certification, please contact us.

What certification would I be eligible for as an AARC candidate?

Special education K-12 endorsement number 165. It will be added on to your current certificate as a cross endorsement.

My certification has expired. Can I participate?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Your certification must be current and valid in the state of CT.

Is there financial aid available?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

I am certified K-8, but want to teach as a special education teacher at the high school level. Would I be able to do that with this cross endorsement?

Yes.

Do I have to take the Praxis I or II?

You will have to take and pass the Praxis II in special education (#5543) in order to apply for this cross endorsement. The Praxis II can be taken at any time while you are enrolled in the program.

Do I have to take the Foundations of Reading?

Yes. You must take and pass the Foundations of Reading exam.

What qualifications do I need to apply to the AARC?

A Master’s degree is encouraged, but not required. You will also need at least 3 years professional teaching experience in the last 8 years.

Would substitute teaching count for the experience needed to be accepted into the program?

Yes, we would consider applicants with substitute teaching and tutoring experience. Candidates accepted under alternate conditions are subject to additional requirements. Contact us for more information.

Are there parameters for the clinical experiences?

Yes, you must complete some experiences at both the elementary and the secondary levels. Additionally, you must have opportunities to work in both inclusive and self-contained environments. Experiences must also include a total of 195 hours working with and exposure to students with a variety of disabilities.

How will a participant’s success be measured?

Participants will complete a series of assignments that will be collected and organized as a portfolio. Each assignment is aligned with a CT and Council for Exceptional Children National competency for special education teachers. By the end of the coursework, participants will demonstrate competency in each standard through portfolio evaluation. Additionally, participants will be measured on their clinical and field work experiences as evaluated by their mentor. Other requirements include: participating in classes; completing assignments; passing Praxis II, the Foundations of Reading exam, passing four summative assessments and completing a portfolio defense.

Who are the mentors?

All of the program instructors are current practitioners. Every participant is assigned to a cohort and a mentor. The mentor will meet with participants regularly during Phase II and the classroom portion of the program, as well as supervise field work and clinical placements. Additionally, the mentors will evaluate all portfolio submissions.

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of candidates assigned to work with a mentor in a 6:1 or smaller ratio. Outside of classroom time, candidates work with their mentors and cohort members to complete assignments. Groups may meet in person or virtually. Schoology© is also used as an online repository for classroom and cohort information exchange.

Where will the classes be held?

Classes are generally held in the Hartford area. Cohort meetings are held in locations arranged for by your cohort mentor and may be held anywhere in the state based on logistics and feasibility of meeting locations. Districts and specialized cohorts and classes may meet at various locations.

Where do I do my clinical and field work experiences?

You can complete your practicum at any number of sites across the state, including the school in which you currently work or in your district. Arrangements will be made with the AARC program director and your mentor. CREC and the other Regional Education Service Centers have a number of sites available for you to complete your experiences. You will have experiences working with students at the elementary and secondary levels. You will also work with a variety of disabilities and a continuum of service options.

What about credits towards a degree?

CREC does not award college credits or a degree for this program.

Can you help me find a job once I complete the program of studies?

CREC has many venues to help you locate job opportunities. You can visit our employment opportunities at crec.org; or work with your mentor to locate local and state-wide openings.