DAY 22 – Serving Special Populations
In 1984, the term “special populations” entered the vernacular of Career and Technical educators across the United States. Special Populations were first outlined and defined in the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act and have remained fairly consistent in the Carl Perkins legislation through reauthorizations in 1990, 1998, and in 2006.
Special populations include:
- Single parents (including pregnant and parenting teens)
- Displaced homemakers
- Individuals with disabilities (both cognitive and physical)
- Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Individuals from Economically Disadvantaged families (including foster children)
- Individuals pursuing nontraditional occupations for their gender
The Illinois Community College Board follows the Perkins mandates to support and serve special population students through the Special Populations Support Grant and services through the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS).
Resources: Recruitment and Retention Strategies Briefs
Supporting Students With Limited English Proficiency
Supporting Students With Disabilities
Supporting Single Parents and Displaced Homemakers
Supporting Students in Nontraditional Careers
ICSPS provides statewide and customized professional development on strategies to recruit, retain, and support Special Populations students as well as resources publications. To learn more resources to support Special Populations students visit ICSPS.
