Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Special Education, Master of Education


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Offered by the Department of Education and Special Education
Dr. Nanci Werner-Burke, Chairperson
Retan Center 207B, (570) 662-4577, e-mail nwernerb@mansfield.edu

The Education and Special Education Department offers the degree program Master of Education (M.Ed.), Special Education with two concentrations, Certification and Non-Certification. The M.Ed. is chosen by those pursuing a master’s degree with a special education emphasis. The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 33 (or 36 if the thesis option is completed).

Teaching requires knowledgeable, creative, and committed professionals who make informed decisions on behalf of their students. Through studies in education, M.Ed. graduate students become more knowledgeable, skilled and confident teacher leaders. They also learn to collaborate with colleagues, to be lifelong learners, and to lead by example. Courses and research experiences in the graduate program are designed to prepare reflective teacher leaders. This program is also designed to develop knowledge in research, curriculum, supervision, and adaptive strategies meeting the needs of all learners.

The certification concentration is designed for educators who are certified at the initial level in another education field. The graduates of this concentration are prepared to meet the PreK-8 special education certification requirements in Pennsylvania (*see PDE information below). Students in the non-certification concentration will not be prepared for certification in Pennsylvania. The non-certification concentration, for candidates from education and related fields not seeking special education certification, provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of special education programs and services for individuals with exceptional learning needs.

Mission

The mission of the Special Education Degree Program of study (M.Ed.) is to provide candidates with a specialization in special education.

The M.Ed. in Special Education supports the mission of Mansfield University, the Teacher Education Unit, and the Education and Special Education Department.

Vision

Graduates with an M.Ed., Special Education degree will be identified as leaders in their schools, districts, and professional organizations as a result of their lifelong dedication to enhance special education services.

Values

Graduate program faculty in the Master of Education, Special Education Degree Program are committed to providing the following:

  • Curricula of rigor and relevance through a model of continuous reflection, assessment, and collaboration
  • Standards of professional growth and performance that challenge faculty to maintain the highest quality of teaching and that challenge students to a life of scholarship, leadership, and continuous professional growth
  • Support of student learning through equitable, caring, and stimulating professional relationships
  • Development of students’ leadership skills to ensure that their respective schools follow best practice in using evidence-based instruction

Student Learning Outcomes for the Master of Education, Special Education Degree Program

After completion of the M.Ed. degree, students will be able to:

  • Use their knowledge to enhance elementary and middle school classroom instruction, design effective assessments, and improve student learning for all children in a variety of settings.
  • Develop and nurture collaborations with professional communities and participate in professional organizations to continue growth and enhance professional effectiveness in ever-broadening educational and community settings.
  • Draw on knowledge of and collaborations with local communities to ensure an equitable, safe, effective learning environment for all children and to interact with students and families in culturally responsive ways.
  • Communicate professional and curricular decisions confidently and effectively, both orally and in writing, to students, parents, administrators, school board officials, and other important stakeholders.

* The following certificate holders may enroll in a Special Education PreK-8 program: N-3; K-6; Pre K-4; 4-8; K-12; and Reading Specialist (PDE Email update June 19, 2015)

The following two concentrations are available in the M.Ed., Special Education Degree Program: 

 

Special Education Certification Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Michele Moore
Retan Center 208B; 570-662-4568; mmoore@mansfield.edu

In this online master’s level PreK-8 special education certification concentration, candidates will be prepared to meet the demands for providing special education support in the Pennsylvania public schools. The concentration will provide an intensive and in-depth focus on special education in inclusive and support classrooms. The preparatory course work, based on PDE guidelines, will include knowledge, skills, and field experience in (a) special education foundations; (b) understanding and preventing over-representation of diverse students in special education; (c) prevention and early intervention; (d) development of academic and functional performance needs of students with disabilities; (e) individual learning differences; (f) development of diverse learners in a standards-aligned system focusing upon cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language domains; (g) instructional strategies; (h) learning environments and social interactions; (i) least restrictive environment-school wide delivery; (j) communication; (k) literacy development and instruction; (l) instructional planning; (m) instructional strategies for students in inclusive, support, and self-contained settings; (n) assessment; (o) professional and ethical practice; (p) collaboration; and (q) secondary transition. The research, training, and evaluation activities will be geared to the student’s grade level certifications.

This concentration will require an early childhood or middle level teacher certification prior to admission into the M.Ed. Special Education Certification Concentration. Coursework equivalents will be accepted from accredited universities and community colleges. The thirty-six credit graduate concentration will include a three (3) credit research course, nine (9) credits of inclusive education courses, three (3) credits of linguistic diversity, twelve (12) credits of special education foundation courses, three (3) credits of related educational topics and a 3-credit course of clinical experience. The clinical practicum course will be taken towards the end of the program as a culminating experience and will consist of a total of 90 hours of field experience. In addition, students will have experience in varied special education service delivery placements. Graduate courses will promote advanced study, action-research, and service and leadership opportunities. Developing professional dispositions and appropriate pedagogical uses of technology will be integrated throughout the concentration.

Candidates must complete departmental requirements of a comprehensive written examination. This should be completed near the end of the program.

Mission

The mission of the Special Education Graduate (M.Ed.) Concentration is to provide candidates with a specialization in special education. The PreK-8 certification concentration is designed for educators who are certified at the Initial level in another education field; these candidates are prepared to meet the special education certification requirements. The M.Ed. in Special Education supports the missions of Mansfield University, the Teacher Education Unit, and the Education and Special Education Department.

Values

Graduate faculty in the M.Ed. Concentration in Special Education with certification are committed to the following:

  • Offering opportunities for integration of knowledge
  • Permitting greater depth of learning
  • Heightening receptivity to new ideas, viewpoints, and beliefs
  • Improving research skills and enhance skills of critical analysis
  • Building skills in leadership process
  • Expanding abilities to work independently
  • Encouraging application of acquired knowledge and skills in classroom instruction
  • Refining capability to initiate, define, and synthesize viewpoints and concepts
  • Developing methods of dealing with change
  • Promoting a vision of schools as places of equal access, excellent instruction, and supportive environments for all children

Student Learning Outcomes, Special Education Certification Concentration*

  1. Evidence-based Theories
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based principles and theories in Special Education (foundations, laws and policy, historical influences, diversity issues, prevention, and early intervention).
  2. Knowledge of Students with Disabilities
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of cognition and development of students with disabilities.
  3. Assessment
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in identifying, administering, interpreting, and planning instruction based on assessment components, guided by the legal policies and ethical principles of measurement and assessment.
  4. Positive Environment
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills to create an environment which fosters an appreciation of diversity, a sense of safety and emotional well-being, and positive social interactions.
  5. Professionalism
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in professional and ethical practices including the dispositions necessary for effective teaching: maintaining an equitable and safe classroom environment; demonstrating ethical behavior in all practices; exercising responsible judgments in dealings with students, colleagues, and parents; and planning, teaching, and assessing students with a high degree of competence. 
  6. Family and Community
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in effective collaboration with families, other educators, related service providers, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways.
  7. Differentiation
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in specially designed instruction in academic and non-academic areas for all service settings through the use of differentiated instruction.

* These outcomes are based on standards issued by the Council for Exceptional Children, http://www.cec.sped.org/, 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22202-3557, Phone: 888-232-773, TTY: 866-915-5000.

Special Education (M.Ed.) Certification Courses  

Total Credit Hours: 33


Special Education Non-Certification Concentration


Coordinator: Dr. Michele Moore
Retan Center 208B; 570-662-4568; mmoore@mansfield.edu

The special education non-certification concentration provides professionals an understanding of the foundations and theory of the field of special education. This concentration is designed for those interested in the field of special education but not pursuing teacher certification.

Candidates must complete departmental requirements of a comprehensive written examination. This should be completed near the end of the program.

Mission

The mission of the Special Education Graduate program (M.Ed.) of study is to provide candidates with a specialization in special education. The non-certification concentration for candidates from education and related fields not seeking special education certification provides the opportunity to develop knowledge of special education programs and services for individuals with exceptional learning needs. The M.Ed. in Special Education supports the missions of Mansfield University, the Teacher Education Unit, and the Education and Special Education Department.

Values

Graduate faculty in the M.Ed. program with a concentration in Special Education non-certification are committed to the following:

  • Offering opportunities for integration of knowledge
  • Permitting greater depth of learning
  • Heightening receptivity to new ideas, viewpoints, and beliefs
  • Improving research skills and enhance skills of critical analysis
  • Building skills in leadership process
  • Expanding abilities to work independently
  • Encouraging application of acquired knowledge and skills
  • Refining capability to initiate, define, and synthesize viewpoints and concepts
  • Developing methods of dealing with change

Student Learning Outcomes, Special Education Non-Certification*

  1. Evidence-based Theories
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of evidence based principles and theories in Special Education (foundations, laws and policy, historical influences, diversity issues, prevention, and early intervention).
  2. Knowledge of Students with Disabilities
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of cognition and development of students with disabilities.
  3. Assessment
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in identifying, administering, interpreting, and planning instruction based on assessment components, guided by the legal policies and ethical principles of measurement and assessment.
  4. Positive Environment
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills to create an environment which fosters an appreciation of diversity, a sense of safety and emotional well-being, and positive social interactions.
  5. Professionalism
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in professional and ethical practices.
  6. Family and Community
    • Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills in effective collaboration with families, other educators, related service providers, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways.

* The outcomes are based on standards issued by the Council for Exceptional Children, http://www.cec.sped.org/; 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22202-3557, Phone: 888-232-7733, TTY: 866-915-5000.
 

Special Education Non-Certification Concentration Courses

Total Credit Hours: 33


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