*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS ON-HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.*

Information pertaining to all graduate students and those seeking a M.Ed. degree in particular, is available in the graduate portion of the university catalog (Choose Graduate Catalog from drop-down box in upper right-hand corner of the page) and the Central Washington University Graduate Studies and Research Office. 
 

Program Title:

Master of Education - Special Education
 

Program Description:

The Master of Education: Special Education program is designed to allow students to pursue graduate-level study in the various areas of special education. Certified teachers (P-12) or related service personnel who wish to add to their repertoire of strategies for diverse learners in their settings would benefit from this program.


Program Admission Requirements:

• Submission of a copy of a valid teaching certificate with application materials.
• High-Speed internet access and webcam are necessary requirements for online learning.
• Minimum of one year of contracted teaching or permission of special education faculty.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Potential graduate students will need to identify their current knowledge, skills, and philosophy related to working with students with disabilities in their admission letter.
   

Program:

Students will complete the prescribed program course of study for 45 credits.  The program is delivered on-line, with the core courses offered in conjunction with the Master of Education - Literacy.
 

Required Courses:

Core Courses

EDSE 534 Learning Theories: Research and Applications (4 credits) Advanced study of learning theories. Clarification of teacher beliefs, alignment of evidence-based instructional practices with theory and research.

EDSE 535 Teaching Diverse Learners (5 credits) Advanced study of current research as it relates to the instructional, social, and emotional needs of diverse learners.  Implementation of differentiation instruction to meet the needs of all learners.  Specific focus on the critical role of teacher-leaders as advocates in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

EDSE 592C Teaching Diverse Learners-Practicum (1 credit) Development and implementation of an advocacy plan related to the instructional, social, and emotional needs of diverse learners. Implementation of differentiation instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

EDSE 536 Understanding Research Methods (3 credits) Overview of qualitative and quantitative research methods.  Students will develop skills as critical consumers of educational research, while developing an understanding of evidence-based instructional practice.  Focus on understanding action research as a way to analyze and improve classroom practice. Must be taken concurrently with EDSE 537 Designing and Writing Research.

EDSE 537 Designing and Writing Research (3 credits) Students will develop skills of designing and writing research.  Emphasis on conducting action research as a way to analyze and improve instructional practice. Students will prepare a research proposal that incorporates principles, processes, values, and roles of action research.  Must be taken concurrently with EDSE 536 Understanding Research Methods.
 

Special Education Courses

EDSE 520 Behavioral Intervention for Students with Disabilities (3 credits) This course examines evidence-based and practical strategies for evaluating and implementing behavioral interventions for students with disabilities. Prerequisites: Admission to the Masters of Education - Special Education Program

EDSE 522 Collaboration/Consultation (3 credits) Designed to prepare educators working with students with special needs to critically reflect upon and to identify specific strengths in the areas of inter/intra personal skills. Prerequisites: Admission to the Masters of Education - Special Education Program

EDSE 524 Curriculum and Assessment for Students with Disabilities (4 credits) This course examines the evidence-based and practical strategies for evaluating and implementing curriculum and assessments for students with disabilities.  Prerequisites: Admission to the Masters of Education - Special Education Program

EDSE 525 Instruction and Assessment for Students with Disabilities (5 credits) Designed to examine evidence-based and practical strategies for evaluating and implementing instruction and assessment for students with disabilities.  Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Education - Special Education Program.

EDSE 684 Internship in Professional Affiliated Disciplines (4 credits) Students will complete an internship in an affiliated area/discipline of special education, furthering understanding of practices, policies, and supports available and appropriate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Approval for the internship, specific internship goals, and activities will be arranged with the graduate committee chair and representative from the participating agency.  Prerequisites: Permission of graduate committee chair, and experience with individuals with disabilities.

EDSE 700 Master’s Thesis and/or Project Study (6 credits) Designed to credit and record supervised study for the master’s thesis, non-thesis project, studio project and/or public recital.  Prerequisite: Permission of chair of student’s graduate faculty supervisory committee. Grade will be either S or U.
 

*Additional Information
After completing the Master of Education-Special Education, you will not be endorsed by the State of Washington in P-12 special education.


The Master of Education-Special Education is a cohort program beginning summer, 2013. The cohort will be limited to 12 students the first year who will enroll in the following courses: