弗吉尼亚联邦大学

Program goal

The Master of Education in Special Education program prepares graduates for work in one of three areas: early childhood, severe disabilities or general education. Applicants who do not already hold a teaching license must meet both licensure and degree requirements prior to the awarding of the Master of Education degree unless exempted as a professional from another discipline. Students should plan carefully with their adviser to ensure that the appropriate courses and experiences are completed. Successful completion of the degree program leads to endorsement in early childhood special education, severe disabilities or general curriculum.

The Master of Education in Special Education general education concentration, which can lead to an endorsement in the special education general curriculum, is designed to prepare graduates with the professional knowledge and skills needed to work in a variety of settings.

• General education classrooms (where children with special needs are being collaboratively taught)
• Resource, modified resource or collaborative resource rooms
• Self-contained settings or classrooms in varied urban, suburban or rural areas
• Residential programs
• Various community environments

Special training is provided in teaching reading and language, behavior management, and the use of interactive strategies that teach positive social skills. Candidates are prepared to work with students in completing a variety of transitions, such as from special education to the general education classroom or from high school to employment and independent living.

Student learning outcomes

• Learner and learning: Understand human development and learning theory appropriate to the age group they will teach and acquire an awareness of the diversity of the school-age population in cultural backgrounds and styles of learning
• Content: Demonstrate knowledge of the subjects they will teach
• Instructional practice: Demonstrate an ability to plan and implement effective teaching and measure student learning in ways that lead to sustained development and learning
• Professional responsibility: Develop an understanding of purposes for education and a defensible philosophical approach toward teaching and demonstrate professional dispositions