MEd Special Education

The Graduate Special Education program is based on a conceptual framework which focuses on the following perspectives: Academic Scholar, Reflective Practitioner, and Professional Dispositions. The preparation of skilled and knowledgeable practitioners who understand reflective and inquiry-based teaching is also emphasized. The program is based on the notion that students can achieve. Graduate students learn how assessment drives instruction and the importance of data-based decision making.

The program is designed to produce teachers who understand the purposes of education as well as the developmental aspects of learning.  Another major program emphasis is placed on preparing teacher candidates to perform skillful and continuous monitoring of student learning.

The program provides the candidate with a foundation for the teaching and management of students with disabilities, based on current knowledge, research, and practice in the field. Action research is emphasized to document the efficacy of teaching methodology. The student is expected to demonstrate an understanding of students with disabilities relative to their cultural, emotional, social, academic, cognitive, transition from school to adult environment, and physical needs. Students become proficient in the use of computer technology, and application of behavior management techniques. As an extension of the inclusion model, students learn to work collaboratively in order to generate creative solutions to mutually defined problems.