Curriculum Action Notice

From:

Academic Affairs Committee

Date:

Oct 15, 2008

This is a bulletin from the Academic Affairs Committee concerning proposed curricular actions. Please forward any comments or concerns in the next 10 days to the AAC chair, Jeffrey Bossworth , 206 Pinecrest Manor, ext. 4762.

Curricular Action Notice—Masters of Education in Special Education

(7 new courses/course changes, 1 program change, 1 program deletion;
1 Ed course change unrelated to Special Ed MA)

1.      New Course: SPE 5511 (Communication and Communication Disorders)

Purpose and Nature of Course: __Add communication disorders course to current course offerings to meet the PDE Chapter 49 Special Education Certification requirements.__________

Prefix: ___SPE ________    Number: ____5511_______   CIP:____13102______________

Course Title: ___ Communication and Communication Disorders ______________________

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Com and Com Disorders

Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)

Credit(s) _____ Undergraduate                      

Credit(s) __3___ Graduate                                              

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

This course will focus on speech, language and communication disorders with applications to school age children, language and communication difficulties associated with specific disability types and assessment practices. Students will examine evidence-based practices language and communication disorders.  A field component will be required- observation and interview.

2.      Course Change: SPE 5508 (Advanced Instruction for Low Incidence Disabilities)

Purpose and nature of change: _To meet PDE Chapter 49 Special Education Certification requirements.___

Old Course Title: ___Education of Severely Retarded__________________________________

New Course Title: __Advanced Instruction for Low Incidence Disabilities____________________

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences): Teacher education candidates will study the nature and needs of children with moderate to severe disabilities.  Focus will be on the educational and transitional needs of these individuals.  The teacher education candidates will develop knowledge and skills in identification, assessment, educational techniques ans strategies which are coupled with supportive measure, materials and techniques.  The teacher candidate will research best practices for education students with severe disabilities which will include instructional adaptations and assistive technology.  A field component will be required.

 
3.      New Course: SPE 5544 (Advanced Instruction for High Incidence Disabilities)

Purpose and Nature of Course: To establish a new instructional methods course in special education at the graduate level that aligns with the new Chapter 49 certification requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for teacher certification in special education.

Prefix: SPE          Number:      5544       CIP:                                    
Course Title:    Advanced Instruction for High Incidence Disabilities            
Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces
A d v.  I n s t r. f o r  H i g h  I n. D i s.
Credits (Place number of credits beside appropriate types)
Credit(s) _____ Undergraduate                      
Credit(s)     3      Graduate                              

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

This course provides an in-depth look at the assessment-instruction cycle and effective teaching-learning strategies that will benefit the learning of children with disabilities in the various service delivery options. Based on research-supported methods, students will develop assessment and remediation strategies to monitor children’s academic progress. Field component required.

4.      New Course: SPE 5501 (Educating Children with Exceptional Learning Needs)

Purpose and nature of change: _Title change and updating of content knowledge and skills to meet PDE Chapter 49 Special Education Certification requirements.
Old Course Title: __Foundations of Exceptional Learners___________________________
New Course Title: _ Educating Children with Exceptional Learning Needs _____________
Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces
_ Child w Ex Learning Needs

 Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences): This course identifies the history and foundation of special education.  Graduate students will develop a working knowledge of the characteristics, prevalence’s, causes, effective interventions and family concerns  of IDEA eligible categories of disabilities and gifted.

5.      Course Change: SPE 5590 (Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities)

Purpose and nature of change: __ Title change and updating of content knowledge and skills to meet PDE Chapter 49 Special Education Certification requirements.______________________
Old Course Title: __Learning Disabilities________________
New Course Title: ___ Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities ______________________

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences): This course will focus on the learning needs of children and youth with mild disabilities.  An in depth review of disabilities categorized as mild in nature along with characteristics, etiologies, interventions and current issues will be discussed.  Student will
develop appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, adaptations and modifications to meet these students needs in all educational settings.

6.      Course Change: SPE 5542 (Functional Assessment and Behavior Management)

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences): An investigation of the principals of behavior theory for classroom teaching techniques, particularly with children with disabilities.  General and specific methods for generating, strengthening and maintaining desirable behaviors will stressed.  Conditioning of both academic skills and non academic behaviors on an individual and group bases will be considered.  Functional Behavior Assessment will be introduced in order to facilitate positive behavior support methods. Direct experience in modifying the behavior of individuals will be arranged.

7.      Course Change: SPE 5530 (Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners)

Purpose and nature of change: ______ Title change and updating of content knowledge and skills to meet PDE Chapter 49 Special Education Certification requirements._______________
Old Course Title: __Seminar on Cultural Diversity in Special Education________________
New Course Title: _____Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners_________________________
Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces
_Diverse Cult  Ling Learn_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

This course addresses the social, economic, political, ethnic and linguistic characteristics individual with exceptional learning needs.  Graduates will examine current issues, strategies methodologies that impact individuals in their schools and communities.  Culturally relevant materials and techniques will be researched and developed.

8.      PROGRAM CHANGE: Masters Education

Rationale for change:

The Pennsylvania teacher certification changes mandated by Chapter 49-2, includes requiring special education certification to be an additional certification. Special Education certification will no longer be available as a stand-alone certification after December 31st, 2013.  While Mansfield will offer a dual certification program with early childhood and special education at the undergraduate level, we wish to have options for middle level and secondary students (or past certified teachers) to become certified in special education. Certification is based on students’ prior certification level.

List all changes:

A.      Program Deletion. Tracks 1 and 2 of current M.Ed. Special Education.

 
B.      Add Special Education Certification Concentration

 
Require the following prerequisite courses and content area certification:

1.     SPE 1001 Foundations in Special Education or graduate equivalent SPE 5501   Foundations of Exceptional Learner

2.     SPE 3290 High Incidence Disabilities or graduate equivalent SPE 5590   Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

3.     SPE 3352 Assessment and Evidence Based Behavioral Supports for

Inclusion or graduate equivalent SPE 5542  Assessment and Behavior Management

4.     SPE 3275 Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners or graduate equivalent SPE 5530 Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners

                              (The prerequisites may be completed in undergraduate or graduate program at Mansfield or transfer equivalents will be accepted from accredidated universities and community colleges.  These courses must be completed prior to official entry into the M.Ed. Special Education Certification  program.)

5.     Students with out of state licensure will be required to meet PA requirements. Please see you certification evaluation.

New Courses

SPE 5511 Communication and Communication Disorder 3 credits

SPE 5544 Advanced Instruction for High Incidence Disabilities 3 credits

Course Change

SPE 5508 Advance Instruction for Low Incidence Disabilities

C.     Changing Track 3 to Special Education Non-Certification Concentration

Research   3 credits

ED 5500 Methods and Materials of Research

Special Education Core   15 credits

SPE 5501   Foundations of Exceptional Learners

SPE 5590  Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

SPE 5542   Assessment and Behavioral Management

SPE 5530    Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners

SPE 5509   Early Childhood Special Education

Special Education Topics  (15 credits Required)

SPE 5503 Psycho Educational Diagnostics 3 credit

SPE 5560 Problems in Special Education 3 credits

SPE 5554 Law and Individuals with Disabilities 3 credit

SPE 5511 Communication and Communication Disorder 3 credits

SPE 5580 Special Education Workshop  1-6  credits

SPE 5581 Special Education Workshop 1-6 credits

SPE 5502 Administration and Supervision of Special Education

 
Course Changes

SPE 5501   Foundations of Exceptional Learners

SPE  5590  Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

SPE 5542   Functional Assessment and Behavioral Management

SPE 5530   Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners

1.       Program Description for Catalog (if changed):

 
Special Education Certification Concentration

In this masters level special education certification program, candidates will be prepared to meet the demands for providing special education support in the Pennsylvania public schools.  The program will provide an intensive and in-depth focus of 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 students grade level certifications.

 
This program will require the 12 credit of inclusive education and ELL and an early childhood, middle level or secondary teacher certification as outlined in Chapter 49-2 prior to admission into the M.Ed. Special Education Certification Program. The admission requirements may be completed in the initial teacher certification undergraduate programs at Mansfield. Coursework equivalents will be accepted from accredidated universities and community colleges.  The thirty-three credit graduate program will include a 3 credit research course, 15 credits of special education foundation courses, 9 credits of related educational topics and two 3 credit courses of clinical experience.  The clinical practicum courses will be taken in two separate semesters and students will have experience in varied special education service delivery placements. The undergraduate courses and initial certification required as admissions requirements are designed to introduce candidates to the fundamental knowledge and skill competencies required by all teacher education candidates.  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 program.  A teacher certification and these undergraduate or graduate equivalent prerequisite courses are as follows:

1.     SPE 1001 Foundations in Special Education or graduate equivalent SPE 5501 Foundations of Exceptional Learner

2.     SPE 3290 High Incidence Disabilities or graduate equivalent SPE 5590   Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

3.     SPE 3352 Assessment and Evidence Based Behavioral Supports for Inclusion or graduate equivalent SPE 5542  Assessment and Behavior Management

4.     SPE 3275 Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners or graduate equivalent SPE 5530 Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners

5.    Students with out of state licensure will be required to meet PA requirements. Please see you certification evaluation.

 

The M.Ed. Special Education Certification Program Courses are as follows:

A.    Program

Required Courses

Research   3 credits

 ED 5500 Methods and Materials of Research

Special Education Foundations 15 credits

SPE 5511 Communication and Communication Disorder 3 credits

SPE 5503 Assessment in Special Education 3 credits 

SPE 5508 Advanced Instruction for Low Incidence Disabilities 3 credits

SPE 5544 Advanced Instruction for High Incidence Disabilities 3 credits

SPE 5550 Advance Curriculum Development 3 credits

Special Education Topics    9 credits

SPE 5560 Problems in Special Education 3 credits

SPE 5554 Law and Individuals with Disabilities 3 credits

ELE 5523 Foundations of Reading Instruction 3 credits

Field Experience 6 credits

SPE 5570A Clinical Experience 3 credits

SPE 5570B Clinical Experience 3 credits

·         Assistive technology integrated into all courses

 

Special Education Non-Certification Concentration

The special education non-certification concentration provides professionals an understanding of the foundations and theory of the field of special education. This program is designed for those interested in the field of special education but not pursuing teacher certification.  Admission into the M.Ed. Special Education Non-Certification Concentration requires a passing score the GRE.

 
Research   3 credits

ED 5500 Methods and Materials of Research

Special Education Core   (15 credits)

SPE 5590   Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

SPE 5542   Assessment and Behavioral Management

SPE 5530   Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Learners

ED  5540    School Law

Special Education Topics (15 credits required)

SPE 5503  Psycho Educational Diagnostics 3 credits

SPE 5560  Problems in Special Education 3 credits

SPE 5554  Law and Individuals with Disabilities 3 credits

SPE 5511  Communication and Communication Disorder 3 credits

SPE 5580  Special Education Workshop  1-6  credits

SPE 5581 Special Education Workshop 1-6 credits

Course Changes

 SPE 5501   Foundations of Exceptional Learners

 SPE 5590   Teaching Learners with Mild Disabilities

 SPE 5542   Functional Assessment and Behavioral Management                    

SPE 5530   Diverse Culturally and Linguistic Learners

2.       Program Objectives (if changed):

Special Education Certification Concentration

The proposed program’s learning outcomes with related assessment activities are designed so that graduates of the M.Ed. Special Education Certification program will demonstrate all PDE standards for the special education certification summarized as follows: (1)knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple setting and grade levels; (2) knowledge, skills and competencies in areas of academic, social, behavioral and emotional growth;  (3) methods to implement that knowledge to maximize student capabilities; (4) using research based effective instructional strategies and diagnostic tools.

Special Education Non-Certification Concentration

        The proposed program’s learning outcomes with related assessment activities are designed for professionals in other fields of study that may require  an in depth understanding of special education as it is related to their professional area. These fields may include but not be limited to social work, psychology, criminal justice, business, law, special education etc.   Graduates will develop a global understanding of the field of special education in general and as it how it relates specifically to their professional area.  Graduates will develop a research project reflecting an issue in their chosen field.

9.      PROGRAM DELETION: Masters Education (Special Ed tracks 1&2)

Program being Deleted:  _Tracks 1 and 2   of M.Ed. Special Education Master of Education

Rationale for elimination:

Based on The Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 49 certification changes, effective 2013, special education certification will no longer be a stand alone certification.  Teacher candidates seeking special education certification will need to have a content area major/certification.  Undergraduate education programs in PA will only offer special education as an additional certification area not a major leading to certification.   In addition the special education non-certification program will continue to offer a master program in special education for those not seeking a teaching certification.

10.  Course Change: ELE 5503 (Elementary Language Arts)

Old Course Title: Communication Skills Workshop for Elementary School Teachers

New Course Title: Elementary Language Arts

Abbreviated Title (for Master Schedule), Maximum 20 spaces

Elem Language Arts

Course Description for Catalog (limit to four sentences):

The course examines theory, research, and practices of effective integrated elementary language arts instruction.  Methods of teaching listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and visual representations are discussed.  Featured topics include elementary writing instruction, spelling, grammar, handwriting, word study, poetry, technology, reader’s theatre, and uses of children’s literature to teach language arts.  Students who have previously taken ELE 4403 in an online format may not take ELE 5503.