Elementary or Secondary Special Education M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Elementary or Secondary Special Education Program is an initial certification leading to licensure in elementary (gr1-6) or secondary (gr7-12) special education.

Admission Requirements

1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
3. Professional license (elementary or secondary general education certificate) or passing test scores on the Elementary or Secondary Praxis Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT).
4. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all undergraduate course work.
5. Three candidate reference forms accompanied by letters of recommendation related to education and experience in special education or related field.
6. A performance-based evaluation that documents the candidate’s education and experience with individuals with exceptionalities if possible.
7. Completion of foundational coursework in special education (SPED 531 or equivalent), and other pre-requisite requirements as determined by the Program Director.
8. Professional goals essay that describes candidate’s commitment to the field of Elementary or Secondary Special Education, cultural awareness, collaboration, and life-long learning.
9. An interview may be required.

Course Requirements

Program Pre-Requisites

SPED 300 (or its equivalent) and certification in Elementary or Secondary Education are required for Rhode Island Department of Education special education certification.

Program Elective

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
	ONE COURSE in multicultural perspectives, chosen with advisor’s consent	3

Professional Education Component

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 458	STEM for Diverse Learners: Intensive Intervention	4	Fall, Spring.
SPED 501	Assessment in Special Education	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 503	Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 534	Involvement of Families in Special Education	3	Fall, Spring.
SPED 551	Introduction to Multicultural Special Education	3	Summer (annually).
SPED 648	Interpreting and Developing Research in Special Education	3	Fall.

CHOOSE A or B below

A. Elementary Level Mild/Moderate

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 518	Literacy for Diverse Learners: Intensive Intervention	4	Spring.
SPED 662	Internship in Elementary Special Education	6	Fall, Spring.

B. Middle/Secondary Level Mild/Moderate

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 427	Career/Transition Planning for Adolescents	3	Spring.
SPED 524	Literacy Instruction for Adolescents: Intensive Intervention	4	Spring.
SPED 664	Internship in Secondary Special Education	6	Fall, Spring.

Comprehensive Assessment

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
CA	Comprehensive Assessment	0

 

Total Credit Hours: 32-35