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Dealing with student behavior is a concern for both general and special educators alike. However, when a student’s behavior becomes so severe and pervasive that it adversely affects academic performance, intensive individualized supports are required. Providing a strong educational environment for students with or at risk for emotional/behavior disorders requires skills across cultural, behavioral, academic, social, and mental health domains to support potential internalizing (e.g., anxiety, social withdrawal) and externalizing (e.g., aggression, disruptive behavior, non-compliance) student behaviors that become barriers to learning. 

A key variable in outcomes for students with EBD is both quantity and quality of teachers, as well as evidence-based practices to support students. However, new teachers do not just appear, they must be prepared by doctoral-level university faculty who are well versed in both preparation and research supporting evidence-based practices. SACRED is designed to strengthen the infrastructure of special education by preparing university faculty who are experts in EBD.   

What is SACRED?

SACRED is a federally funded doctoral personnel preparation project designed to provide advanced training in supporting students with or at risk for EBD. SCARED is built on a highly ranked PhD program in special education at Penn State. Scholars will complete the “base” PhD program and also complete activities that lead to specialization in supports for student with behavioral and emotional needs. SACRED is only offered in person to full time students at the University Park campus. SACRED is limited to 3 scholars and space is very competitive.  

What Skills Can I Expect to Acquire in SACRED?

The PhD program at PSU is built on a model that we call CONE (Criterion of Next Environment). For the CONE model, faculty assess skills needed in the next environment (in this case skills needed to be successful in a faculty position) and design student programs around these areas. In addition to skills typically acquired in teaching, research, and service, with SACRED we layered additional skills that are specific to emotional and behavioral supports, which include advanced preparation in: 

  • Behavioral Supports 

  • Academic Supports 

  • Social Emotional Learning Supports  

  • Culturally Responsive and Competent Practices 

  • Trauma Informed Intervention 

  • Mental Health Supports 

  • Family Supports 

 

Is there mentoring for SACRED Scholars?

Mentoring is a very important part of skill development in higher education. We use a system of mentoring that includes both Drs. Lee and Taylor as primary mentors, other Penn State faculty as secondary mentors, and individuals from other institution who will assist students in developing national networks, enhance cultural and multilingual competence, and refining knowledge in specific areas related to EBD. A unique aspect of SACRED is a Peer Mentor Tutor who is a more senior doctoral student who can provide information from a student perspective (e.g., best places to live) and provide help with key courses (e.g., statistics).  

 

Are there financial resources available for scholars?

  • Annual $31,000 scholarship 

  • Tuition remission  

  • Student health insurance  

  • Relocation allowance  

  • Support for conference travel, research, and training materials 

 

Who should apply?

Individuals who: 

  • Have at least 2-years experience working in special education or a closely related field.  

  • Are interested in preparing professionals and conducting research on behavioral, academic, and social supports for students with EBD. 

  • Have a goal of earning a PhD in special education. 

  • Plan to seek a faculty position in higher education after graduation. 

What are the outcomes of SACRED?

Scholars who complete the program will earn a PhD in special education. The program is designed for scholars who wish to work as university faculty in special education or related programs (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis).  

How do I apply for SACRED?

The first step is to contact either Dr. Lee ([email protected]) or Dr. Taylor ([email protected]) to talk about how SACRED may help you achieve your career goals. Next steps include applying to the special education PhD program. Note that acceptance into the special education program occurs prior to acceptance into SACRED.