Program Coordinator:
Dr. Sue Fan Foo
508 929-8071
sfoo@worcester.edu
Admissions Requirements:
Candidates for this program must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7. In addition, candidates for this program must pass three MTELs.
For candidates who are seeking licensure P-8, they must pass 1) Communication and Literacy, 2) Foundations of Reading, and 3) General Curriculum – multi subject test and mathematic sub-test.
For candidates who are seeking licensure 5-12, they must pass 1) Communication and Literacy, 2) Foundations of Reading, 3) General Curriculum – multi subject test and mathematic sub-test or Subject Matter test.
The Initial Licensure Program Requirements:
This program leading to an initial licensure in Moderate Special Needs (P-8 or 5-12), is an 18 credit, non-degree program. It consists of 15 credits of course work and a full time, three-credit practicum or practicum equivalent. The program is designed so that candidates may complete it in a one-year period while working in a school setting.
The courses are:
ED 921 Developmental Patterns of Children with Special Needs
ED 923 Development and Implementation of an Individualized
Education Program
ED 922 Analysis and Interpretation of Behavior and Learning
Environments
ED 924 Strategies for Assessing and Teaching Students with
Moderate Special Needs
ED 926 Curriculum Development and Instructional Techniques
(Seminar)
ED 928 Practicum for the Moderate Special Needs Teacher
Candidates begin by taking ED 921 Developmental Patterns of Children with Special Needs as a prerequisite before taking the other courses. This course establishes central principles of the program which include high standards f or all students based on issues pertaining to Special Education Federal and State Laws, categories of disabilities, celebration of diversity, family involvement, with an emphasis on inclusion and collaboration.
Students must complete ED 923 Development and Implementation of an Individualized Education Program, ED 922 Analysis and Interpretation of Behavior and Learning Environments, ED 924 Strategies for Assessing and Teaching Students with Moderate Special Needs prior to doing the practicum and seminar. Extensive pre-practicum experiences are built into these courses, as students work individually or in groups with children with and without disabilities in regular and/or special education setting. Emphasis is placed on techniques to teach reading, language arts, and mathematics, as well as techniques for including students with special needs in general education settings.
In the final phase of the initial licensure program, candidates take ED 926 Curriculum Development and Instructional Techniques, and complete a full semester practicum experience ED 928 Practicum for the Moderate Special Needs Teacher that meets guidelines outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Education licensure regulations.
At the end of this sequence of experiences, students are evaluated orally and in writing using an instrument designed by college and clinical supervisors. They must demonstrate proficiency in the competencies listed in MA 603 CMR 7.06 26 (d) 1-6 [Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Teachers of Students with Moderate Disabilities] as well as the Professional Standards for Teachers outlined in MA 603 CMR 7.08 (2)].
To access the online application and admission requirements, please go to:
http://worcester.edu/Graduate/Shared%20Documents/graduateadmissions.aspx
To access the online information about the program, please go to:
http://worcester.edu/Graduate/Shared%20Documents/Cert/CertModerateSpecialNeeds.aspx
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education information:
www.doe.mass.edu
www.mtel.com