SPECIAL EDUCATION AND DISABILITY POLICY

Programs

M.Ed. in Special Education

Master in Education - Learning Disabilities

The Master of Education in Learning Disabilities Program develops and refines the competencies needed for work with persons with learning disabilities in collaborative resource and self-contained settings at all levels, as well as in a variety of cultural environments. Students enrolling in the program will be required to complete two semesters of externship during the regular academic year and may be required to complete additional fieldwork activities and/or credits. Students in bachelor’s degree or extended programs who are planning to enroll are encouraged to consult with program faculty for assistance in selecting elective courses that provide a sound foundation and may reduce the number of additional courses necessary for certification. Program course work encompasses broad concepts of education, research, development, related disciplines and special education to build a foundation of professional knowledge and understanding. Specialized courses develop the intensive diagnostic/remedial/decision-making/consultative skills and understandings required of a professional in learning disabilities, including the ability to recognize educational and social problems, to formulate effective individualized instructional interventions using a variety of methodologies and modifications, to incorporate accommodations and transitions into program plans, and to consult productively with appropriate personnel in the development of maximum educational opportunities for students with learning disabilities. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in non-education or non-special education majors must complete a review process with program faculty as part of the admission process.

Required Courses and Field Work

Foundations 9 Credits

EDUS 660 Research Methods in Education (3)
(select one of the following 3 credits)
EDUS 602 Adolescent Growth and Development
EDUS 603 Seminar in Child Growth and Development
EDUS 607 Advanced Educational Psychology
EDUS 609 Learning Theories in Education

(select one of the following 3 credits)
EDUS 601 Philosophy of Education
EDUS 608 History of Western Education
EDUS 610 Social Foundations of Education
EDUS 614 Contemporary Educational Thought

Special education core 21 Credits

TEDU 531 Collaboration/Consultative Skills for Working with Families and Professionals
TEDU 630 Trends in Special Education
TEDU 631 Behavior Management of Students with Disabilities
TEDU 533 Educational Assessment of Individuals with Exceptionalities
SELD 530 Language Disabilities: Assessment and Teaching
TEDU 561 Reading Foundations OR
TEDU 426 Teaching reading and other Lang. Arts (Either course will serve as a prerequisite for TEDU 566)
TEDU 566 Diagnosis and Remediation in Reading

Specialization core 9 Credits

SELD 600 Characteristics of Learning Disabilities
SELD 601 Methods of Clinical Teaching
SELD 677 Transition and Lifespan issues of individuals with LD

Clinical core 6 Credits

SELD 700 LD Externship: (taken after completion of all courses)
SELD 700 LD Externship: (taken after completion of all courses)