Program Structure
Beginning in Fall 2013, the Master of Education in Special Education degree program will offer a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares currently certified and/or experienced teachers to be special educators and teacher leaders for school-aged students with special needs. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and supported school-based field experiences, the program will train students to use evidence-based practices, monitor response to intervention, individualize intervention based on assessed needs, understand special education law and policy, provide positive-behavior support, and collaborate with colleagues and families. The program meets the requirements of the Texas Education Agency for master's level programs through (a) the emphasis on assessment and instruction for students with the most intense instructional needs, (b) leadership in the context of instructional team-designed interventions, and (c) primary reference to research and use of relevant data for instructional and leadership decisions in the context of special education program development and service delivery. Note, completion of the Master of Education in Special Education will not result in certification. Applicants are advised to consult the Texas Education Agency to understand Texas teacher certification requirements. http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=5830&menu_id=865&meanu_id2=794
Requirements for Admission
Applicants to the Master of Education in Special Education must be currently certified to teach in classroom or a practicing teacher. Additionally, applicants must meet requirements specified on Masters of Ed admission requirement page. http://www.smu.edu/Simmons/AreasOfStudy/TL/MastersDegrees/AdmissionRequirements
Program of Study
Students must complete 36 graduate-level credit hours. Courses will be taught after school hours and in the summer to offer maximum flexibility. The primary instructional format will be conventional face-to-face instructor/student contact, augmented with online delivery of relevant material. The required courses cover foundations of special education, diverse learners, assessment for special educators, academic and behavioral interventions, and will include three supervised field experiences conducted in students’ school settings. The capstone course, applied research in special education, involves an action research study.