CAST is the recipient of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education that supports a three-year directed research project, Research and Innovation to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities Program, sponsored by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Programs (OSEP). CAST is providing training to educators and parents in the use of research-based, universally-designed technology for developing literacy skills in early learners, especially those with cognitive disabilities, in an inclusive environment. Seventeen school districts that are involved in the Massachusetts Comprehensive System of Personnel Development are currently participating in the "Universally-Designed Technology for Literacy" project. During the three years of the project (2004 - 2006), it is expected that district capacity for supporting all learners in emergent literacy will be increased through the "trainer-the-trainer" professional development provided in this project.
For more project information, take a look at the Project Overview '05: This document highlights the project goals, professional development training model, conceptual framework, year two schedule of activities and support, roles and responsibilities, and participating districts.
Emergent Literacy Books developed by project participants support young readers as they to learn to read for meaning. Enjoy!