Mission
The MEd in Special Education Program is dedicated to preparing special educators to make positive contributions in the lives of persons with disabilities and to serve as positive change agents in their work settings.
Program Description
The curriculum is aimed at helping graduate students understand the complexities of issues related to the challenges often faced by persons with disabilities. Students acquire and develop skills requisite for providing an effective delivery of services needed to assist such persons as they strive for success in inclusive settings.
Learning experiences are structured in a way that helps graduate students develop a comprehensive knowledge of the multifaceted nature of special education.
The MEd in Special Education program allows pre-service and in-service teachers to select one or more emphases. These areas of study can be aligned so that their graduate program meets specific endorsement requirements on their teaching license. The three areas of emphasis include: Special Education-General Curriculum, K-12; Special Education-Adapted Curriculum (K-12); Early Childhood Special Education (birth to 5).
Program Goals
Goal #1 – Issues and Dimensions of Disabilities
Graduates will articulate a comprehensive understanding of current research, issues, and trends in the field of special education. In addition, graduates will apply in-depth knowledge of the legal-regulatory, biological, psychological, and sociological (including culture, SES, age, and gender) dimensions of disability when engaging in responsibilities expected of a special educator.
Goal #2 – Assessment and Planning
2a. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to assess, interpret, synthesize, and summarize the abilities and needs of individuals with disabilities using appropriate formal and informal assessment measures in applicable areas (including academic, functional, adaptive, social-emotional, physical-motor, and communication skills—respective of area of emphasis).
2b. Using informal and formal assessment data, graduates will design individualized educational plans (IEPs) that take into account the comprehensive needs (including academic, functional, adaptive, social-emotional, physical-motor, and communication skills—respective areas of emphasis) of individuals with disabilities.
Goal #3 – Classroom and Behavior Management
Graduates will implement data-based special and general educational programs that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities using knowledge of standards of practice, techniques, and principles in the areas of classroom and behavior management—respective areas of concentration).
Goal #4 – Instruction and Curriculum
Graduates will implement data-based, special education instruction and curricula that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities using knowledge of standards of practice, techniques, and principles in the areas of instruction and curriculum—respective areas of concentration).
Goal #5 – Collaboration
Graduates will employ effective communication and problem-solving skills in collaboration with professionals and families in order to enhance the educational opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities
