Master of Science Degree Programs in Education

Master of Science in Education: Special Education (K-12)

Coordinator: Dr. Katherine Roe, roek@wcsu.edu

 

Program Overview and Mission

The mission of the MSED in Special Education (K-12) Program is to prepare special educators to work collaboratively in varied settings and cultural contexts. Using an inquiry approach, the program prepares special educators to differentiate instruction, advocate for diverse learners, assess, and create interventions. The program prepares educators to work collaboratively with colleagues and families in culturally diverse populations in schools and communities to impact student learning.

Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes of the MSED in Special Education (K-12) Program

The goals, objectives and learning outcomes of WCSU’s MSED in Special Education (K-12) Program are varied and are critical to facilitate the development of special educators to work in diverse classrooms. The program is designed to prepare educators to:

1. Graduates of the program will use their knowledge of how language, culture, and family background influence the learning of individuals with exceptionalities to create inclusive communities;

1. Synthesize and apply central concepts, structures of the discipline, and tools of inquiry of the content areas; organize this knowledge, integrate cross-disciplinary skills, and develop meaningful learning progressions for individuals with exceptionalities as indicated by the design of intervention plan.

1. Graduates of the program will change lives by using their professional judgement and knowledge to create quality, inclusive education;

1. Understand the role of professional judgment and practical knowledge for improving all students’ development and achievement as indicated by case studies of diverse learners
2. Accurately assess and analyze student learning, reflecting on adjustments needed for both instruction and assessment as indicated by the measuring student learning project.

1. Graduates of the program will work with colleagues to design and/or implement an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced inclusive curriculum;

1.  Use foundational knowledge to design and/or implement an integrated, comprehensive, and balanced curriculum as indicated by clinical performance in the practicum.

1. Graduates of the program will work with colleagues to design, implement, and evaluate special education programs to reflect research-based practices.

1. Demonstrate expertise in designing, implementing, evaluating, and improving special education to reflect research-based practices as indicated by portfolio in the practicum.

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants who wish to be admitted to the program must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Studies:

1. Application for admission to Graduate Studies and a $50 application fee that may be waived for current WCSU students and alumni through online registration using the Fast-Track Application System: https://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/application/ .
2. One official transcript mailed (not hand-delivered) to Graduate Studies from each college or university previously attended, including all earned grades and degree. (For initial non-matriculating enrollment, an unofficial transcript indicating a 2.7 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) or higher and the baccalaureate degree will suffice.
3. A copy of a valid initial teaching certificate.
4.  Evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Graduate students in the program must complete the requirements for the degree within six years.

Connecticut Certification requirements for 165 endorsement – Comprehensive Special Education (K–12) requires successful completion of the following: MS Education – Special Education program completion; Demonstrated pass scores on the Praxis -Special Education and Foundations of Reading assessments.

New York State Certification requirements include additional assessments and workshops:

• Completion of a Comparable Approved Program in Another Jurisdiction
• Education – Bachelors Degree
• Minimum 2.50 Undergraduate GPA
• New York State Teacher Certification Exam – Educating All Students (EAS),
• Content Specialty Exams (CST), specifically the Student with Disabilities subtest, and Workshops: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
• Workshops: Dignity for All Students Act
• Workshops: School Violence Prevention and Intervention
• Workshops: Coursework or training in the Needs of Students with Autism

Candidates should confirm with the New York State Education Department or another State to determine if a Western Connecticut State University graduate program meets the State certification requirements. NASDTEC coordinates the Interstate Agreement that outlines cooperation for reciprocity.