Project aligns (advancing leadership through interdisciplinary graduate networks in special education)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $556,785 to the University of Kansas Center For Research Inc. on October 1, 2026, under the Special Education—Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program (CFDA 84.325) for Project ALIGNS (Advancing Leadership Through Interdisciplinary Graduate Networks in Special Education).

The award supports research-based training and professional development to prepare special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education personnel to work with children with disabilities, with emphasis on developing leadership capacity within graduate networks. The project period runs through September 30, 2027.

Work is performed in Lawrence, Kansas. The award is a Project Grant, renewable annually for up to five years subject to substantial progress toward project goals and availability of appropriations.