A Kansas University professor is the recipient of a U.S. Department of Education grant worth almost $118,000.

Sean Smith, of the KU Center for Research on Learning, received the funds, part of the Special Education Preservice Training Improvement Grants Program, to assist KU students in meeting teacher requirements of the Disabilities Education Act.

The grant covers the first year of an expected five-year program, which will begin upgrading teacher preparation programs that improve learning outcomes for children with disabilities.

In addition, the funds will be used to facilitate field training in poor communities, as well as mentoring and helping children with disabilities from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.