Inclusive Special Education (Generalist) Grades 7-12, MS

Contact:

Christine Ashby, 150 Huntington Hall, 315-443-8689, ceashby@syr.edu

The program leading to the master of science (M.S.) degree in Inclusive Special Education (Grades 7-12) Generalist builds on the long and distinguished traditions of inclusive education and disability studies at Syracuse University that examines disability as a social, cultural, and political construct, linked to issues of race, class and gender. A grounding assumption of the program is that students with disabilities must have access to academic instruction and social learning that is available to all students.

Students with no prior study in education, or with a certificate in another area, who are interested in working in supporting roles in grades 7-12 may apply to this program. Master’s degree candidates explore innovative approaches to modifying and adapting instruction, curriculum, and classroom structures to maximize active, meaningful participation of all learners. Students in the program participate half days during the Fall and Spring semester in area schools and collaborate on planning, assessment and teaching teams. This intensive fieldwork helps students connect theory and practice. Through coursework students build competencies in using alternative assessments, integrating instructional and assistive technologies, and meeting the social, communication and academic needs of students. Students also learn to regard individuals with disabilities as important sources of knowledge and planning, based on the perspectives of these individuals themselves.

This 30-43 credit program (depending on prior coursework) can accommodate either full-time or part-time students, although availability for student teaching/field placements during the day is necessary. Full time students may complete the program in 15 months, following a summer-fall-spring-summer sequence of courses. A liberal arts concentration and appropriate coursework in core academic areas are also required; students often enter with many of these courses already completed, and have the opportunity to complete remaining courses before, during, or after the graduate coursework.

The program, along with the liberal arts requirements listed below, meets the academic requirements for the New York State Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist teaching certificate. There are also application, testing and other requirements for certification.

M.S. in Inclusive Special Education (7-12) Generalist course requirements:

EDU 606 - Understanding Learning and Teaching 4 credit(s)
RED 625 - Literacy Across the Curriculum 3-4 credit(s) 4 credits required
DSP 614 - Critical Issues in Dis/Ability and Inclusion 3 credit(s)
Safe and Healthy Learning Environments (0 credit) or equivalent, which includes the following topics: Identifying/reporting child abuse, violence prevention, child abduction prevention, highway/general safety, alcohol/drug/tobacco prevention, fire and arson prevention, and training related to the Dignity for All Students (DASA) Act.
SPE 612 - Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs 3 credit(s)
SPE 665 - Positive Behavior Supports in Secondary Schools 3 credit(s)
SPE 634 - Collaboration/Cooperation in Schools 3 credit(s)
SPE 615 - Seminar in Teaching 1-2 credit(s) (fall) 1 credit required
EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) (fall) 3 credit(s) required
SPE 724 - Inclusive Professional Practices in Special Education 3 credit(s)
SPE 644 - Significant Disabilities: Shifts in Paradigms and Practices 3 credit(s)
SPE 615 - Seminar in Teaching
1-2 credit(s) (spring) 1 credit(s)
EDU 508 - Student Teaching
2-15 credit(s) (spring) 3 credit(s)
SPE 705 - Practicum in Psychoeducational Evaluation and Planning for Exceptional Children 3-6 credit(s) 3 credit(s) required
SPE 618 - Augmentation of Communication in the Inclusive Classroom 3 credit(s) or
SPE 652 - Assistive Technologies for Integrating Students with Special Needs 3 credit(s)
RED 621 - Literacy Intervention for Special Educators, Grades K-12 3 credit(s)

Culminating Experience

In addition, students must submit a peer reviewed Professional Teaching/Learning Portfolio for evaluation.

Total Credits Required: 30-43 depending on background

Liberal Arts Course requirements/Prerequisites:

The requirements of this program include several undergraduate liberal arts concentration and distribution courses, with no less than a C grade. It is not unusual that an applicant will have one or more of these courses left to take. These do not need to be completed before applying and may be taken at an institution other than Syracuse University. All must be finished before a degree can be granted. The program helps prospective students identify appropriate courses, and encourages interested students to have early contact about these.

Liberal Arts Concentration or Major

A liberal arts concentration or major of at least 30 semester hours, with 15 upper division credits, or equivalent, is required. The program does admit students with college majors in non-liberal arts areas. The transcript review process includes determining the best concentration area choice and how many additional courses students may need to take. If appropriate, concentration courses may also be used to meet the distribution course requirements listed below.

Distribution course requirements:

Writing
Literature
Mathematics (2 courses)
Natural Science with laboratory
Other Natural Science
Artistic Expression
History
Social Science other than History
Language other than English including American Sign Language (completion of high school Foreign Language Level 3 or higher may be substituted.)

Special Opportunity

Some program applicants also apply to be a SUITR - Syracuse University Urban Teacher Resident, a partnership with the Syracuse City School District. Selected Studies receive an additional stipend that can be used toward tuition, and in return, complete full-day (instead of half day), full semester residency placements in partner schools. The School of Education website gives more details about the SUITR program.