Lurie College Receives Federal Grant to Launch Project EXCELL, a Funded Graduate Program in Special Education

Exciting news for special education teachers: Starting this fall, aspiring educators can apply for a fully-funded, four-semester graduate program at San José State's Connie L. Lurie College of Education that offers a master's in special education degree, a mild-moderate support needs credential and an early childhood added authorization program.

Funded by a grant through the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S. Department of Education, the program is called "Project EXCELL: Empowering EXceptional Children Through Early Language and Literacy," led by Assistant Professor of Special Education Nancy McIntyre and Professor of Special Education Andrea Golloher.

Project EXCELL addresses the need for highly qualified special education teachers with expertise in the education of students with or at risk for reading and writing disabilities in preschool, transitional kindergarten and early elementary grades in high-need districts. The project combines a four-semester, evidence-based program along with an additional intensive summer literacy practicum and co-training with mentor teachers to ensure the 24 EXCELL scholars develop the knowledge and skills to deliver effective and developmentally appropriate evidence-based structured literacy instruction. Funding is contingent upon scholars agreeing to complete four years of service in special education environments upon completion.

The program also meets the needs of two recent California Assembly bills - a 2021 bill that impacted mandated structured literacy practices, including a new literacy teaching performance assessment, and a 2025 bill that mandates the universal screening of all kindergarten through second graders for reading difficulties.

"We recognize that for young children with disabilities, often their disability impacts their communication system, which then translates into additional or unique challenges when it comes to developing the ability to read," says Golloher. "But developing the ability to read is such a strength for them [because] it gives them so many tools to use."

McIntyre adds that 46% of all fourth graders - and only 19% of fourth graders with disabilities - meet California state proficiency standards. She and Golloher hope that by preparing educators with a strong foundation in special education, as well as early childhood education with a focus on literacy, they can help close those gaps.

"Data indicate that at a state and local level there are high rates of teacher turnover, and high rates of individuals working on what they call a 'substandard credential,' i.e. emergency or temporary credentials,'" McIntyre says. "There's a dire need for people who have the training and expertise … to serve the populations we're talking about. [We need teachers] with Mild-Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist credentials emphasizing structured literacy, as well as an understanding of what that looks like in early childhood."

The four-semester program offers unique opportunities for real-world practice, including the chance to work directly with children with special needs during an intensive summer practicum. McIntyre and Golloher add that funding is available both for SJSU students enrolled in the program, as well as for the mentor teachers who play an active role in their development.

Golloher and McIntyre estimate that by funding 24 scholars over four semesters, there is the potential for each scholar to impact the lives of up to 3,000 children in their first four years of service. That impact is exponential as the program grows.

"I'm hearing more and more from in-service teachers who are … learning the strategies now and seeing the impact on the students they're serving," says Golloher. "They're thinking back to the children that they served before and saying, 'I wish I knew this then.' So we're really hoping that we're going to see our educators go into the field and be able to be leaders in supporting other teachers to change their practice."

Eligible applicants are encouraged to fill out a supplemental form indicating their interest , in addition to completing the standard CSU graduate application. The deadline to complete the application is November 1, candidates have until November 20 to submit their supplementary materials.

Learn more about the Lurie College's Department of Special Education.