Le Mars, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — A local Siouxland school received funds from the University of Notre Dame Program for Inclusive Education (PIE) beginning in the fall.
According to a release, the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa awarded $10,200 to support training from the program.
Gehlen’s Principal Andrea Loutsch states that the program includes needs-based assessment, on-site professional development, and a one-hour virtual faculty session.
“The school’s success with Notre Dame’s PIE Program will be measured by the educator’s progress monitoring in 504 and service plans as well as the continued growth of all our staff’s knowledge of MTSS (multi-tiered system of Supports) (universal learning design), etc.” said Loutsch
While the special education program currently serves 16 students with one teacher, the release states that Gehlen intends to explore the possibility of hiring a full-time Strategist 1 special educator in the high school.
“Gehlen Catholic’s ongoing development in promoting an inclusive culture of learning is truly inspiring,” FIRE Foundation Board President Dr. Ryan Allen said, “Their efforts today will help prepare our Diocese and all its schools for the challenges and opportunities we will face tomorrow. In its relationship with Notre Dame’s PIE program, Gehlen will grow its expertise and experience in serving all of God’s children. FIRE is so honored to help support these efforts.”
According to the release, this is not the first time that Gehlen has collaborated with Notre Dame, having worked together through the Latino Enrollment Institute.