MEd: Special Education

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Early Childhood Special Education

The M. Ed. Program in Special Education explores important core knowledge in Special Education. The program's primary goal is to empower professionals as thoughtful educators who use best practices when assisting and empowering students with disabilities. Research and data-based decision-making are emphasized throughout the program. Graduate students will apply learned and evaluated research into practice in their courses, and learn to analyze multiple types of assessment data. The M.Ed. Program in Special Education consists of an initial required core of courses, a concentration area corresponding to the chosen emphasis area, and a capstone or exit course block.

When graduate students are accepted into the program, their transcripts may be reviewed, as necessary,  to identify compliance with state education certification guidelines. Students who wish to be certified in the education of children with cross-categorical disabilities will be required to fulfill general certification requirements, as well as graduate coursework. Upon completion of this advanced degree, professionals will have developed an in-depth knowledge-base related to

• various learning contexts within and outside of the school setting
• the multiple influences on educational practices in schools
• the characteristics and instructional needs of learners with disabilities
• assessment strategies for monitoring instruction
• instructional best practices
• using research to inform practice in the classroom
• diversity awareness
• contexts that affect student learning
• the powerful interactions between setting events and specific learner outcomes
• a life-perspective of students with exceptional learning needs, both young children who transition into kindergarten and those transitioning into adulthood.