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M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth

M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Exceptional Children and Youth degree program is designed to develop professional educators committed to careers that involve children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Graduates are prepared to work as special education teachers, education consultants, and educational technology specialists.

The program is comprised of two tracks: (1) the Masters Program (MP) track, which is appropriate for teachers with a teaching certificate who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills, and (2) the Masters Plus Certification Program (MPCP) track, which is appropriate for individuals who seek to acquire advanced knowledge and skills and also obtain an initial teaching certificate.

Within the Masters Program (MP) track, the areas of specialization are:

1. Elementary Special Education

2. Secondary and Transition Special Education

3. Special Education Technology

4. Severe Disabilities/Autism

Within the Masters Plus Certification Program (MPCP) track, the areas of specialization are:

1. Elementary Education

2. Secondary Education

3. Severe Disabilities/Autism

Reflective Practitioners

Although content knowledge and instructional skills are essential, teaching cannot be reduced to simple formulas or recipes for success. Rather, the competent educator is characterized by habits of mind that emphasize critical thinking, experimentation, and openness to change. In special education, teachers work with individuals with unique needs and problems that demand thoughtful analysis and flexible application of professional skills and knowledge.

Serving Diverse Communities of Learners

An essential disposition of an effective special education teacher is the belief that all individuals can learn. Special educators value diversity and individual differences in intellect, physical abilities, sensory capacities, and cultural background. Our programs are committed to the inclusion of persons with disabilities into all aspects of contemporary society.

Scholars

Effective educational practice is grounded in theory and research about human development and learning, instructional methods, curriculum, and educational policy. The knowledge base in special education is large and growing. We believe that an essential disposition of an effective special education teacher is to value this knowledge base and to critically apply this knowledge to inform decision making and practice.

Problem Solvers

Effective teachers are problem solvers, who construct practical, effective approaches to professional challenges using a sound base of theory and research. Special educators dedicate themselves to meeting the needs of very diverse students. Thus, special educators must commit themselves to a problem solving process focused on assessing the needs of individual students and planning effective instructional programs that meet those needs.

Partners

Even more than other educators, special educators, because of the complexity of their students' problems, need to develop skill in collaborating with families and with a variety of other professionals and community agencies to coordinate education services for individuals with disabilities.