Special Education

 

Department of Special Education and Child Development

New Education Building  348

704-687-8772

http://www.uncc.edu/colleges/education/spcd/main.htm

 

Degrees

Ph.D.

M.Ed. (for licensed teachers)

M.A.T. (for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial licensure in special education and a master’s degree)

Fast-tracks (for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial licensure in special education)

Graduate Certificates (Academically or Intellectually Gifted, Supported Employment and Transition)

 

Coordinator for M.Ed., M.A.T.,  Fast-track, and Certificate Programs

Dr. Gloria Campbell-Whatley (gcampbe1@email.uncc.edu)

 

Graduate Faculty

Kelly Anderson, Assistant Professor

Bob Algozzine, Professor

Janet Baxter, Clinical Assistant Professor

John Beattie, Assistant Professor

Gloria Campbell-Whatley, Associate Professor

Diane Browder, Distinguished Professor

Mary Lynne Calhoun, Professor, Dean, College of Education

Nancy Cooke, Associate Professor

Shelagh Gallagher, Assistant Professor

Susan Gibbs, Clinical Assistant Professor

LuAnn Jordan, Assistant Professor

Ya Yu Lo, Assistant Professor

Peggy Moore, Lecturer

Brenda Romanoff, Associate Professor

JaneDiane Smith, Assistant Professor

Fred Spooner, Professor

David Test, Professor

Richard White, Professor, Chair, Department of Special Education and Child Development

Wendy Wood, Assistant Professor

Cheryl Young, Assistant Professor

 

Ph.D. IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Department of Special Education and Child Development

New Education Building 348

704-687-8772

www.uncc.edu/spedphd

 

Degree

Ph. D.

 

Coordinator for Ph.D. Program

Dr. Diane Browder (Dbrowder@email.uncc.edu)

 

Program of Study

The doctoral program at UNC Charlotte prepares special educators as innovators, teachers, leaders, and researchers whose work contributes to enhancing the quality of life of individuals who are exceptional learners and their families. This program offers graduates the widest array of career options and provides the solid research foundation needed for the rapidly changing field of special education. Potential employment for program graduates includes leadership positions in schools and agencies and faculty positions in higher education as teacher trainers/ researchers.

 

The program requires 59 credits beyond the master's degree and builds on the Master of Education in Special Education or a comparable program. These hours include 15 credits in doctoral seminars in special education, 14 credits in research and practice (field work and writing courses), 15 credits in research, 15 credits of an individually designed specialty, and a dissertation. Additional coursework may be required for students who do not have a Master's degree or licensure in Special Education; whose master's program was not comparable to UNC Charlotte's; or whose Master's coursework is outdated.

 

The program will accept up to two courses as transfer from a regionally accredited doctoral granting institution, providing the Special Education Doctoral Committee determines that the course or courses to be transferred are equivalent to similar courses required in the UNC Charlotte Special Education Ph.D. program or fit the specialty area. The grade in these transfer courses must be an A or B. Transfer credits cannot replace the four core doctoral seminars in special education and all of the dissertation work must be completed at UNC Charlotte.

 

Timelines

Students are admitted for either fulltime study or intensive part-time study. Students must complete their degree, including the dissertation, within 8 years. The minimum time for completion for a fulltime student is 3 years. Fulltime students must meet benchmark requirements each year to maintain their status as a doctoral student. Part-time students also must meet benchmark requirements that occur approximately every two years. These benchmarks are intended to help students achieve their goal of completing the doctorate in a timely manner.

 

Additional Admission Requirements

Applications for admission will be accepted once a year to begin doctoral studies in the fall semester and must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office by December 15th.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:

1)     Two official transcripts of all academic work attempted since high school indicating a GPA of 3.5 (on a scale of 4.0) in a graduate degree program.*

2)     Official report of score on the GRE or MAT that is no more than 5 years old.*

3)     At least three references* of someone who knows the applicant's current work and/ or academic achievements in previous degree work.

4)     A two page essay describing prior experiences with individuals with exceptionalities and objectives for pursuing doctoral studies.*

5)     A current resume or vita.

6)     A professional writing sample (e.g., published article, manuscript submitted for publication, term paper submitted in prior coursework, abstract of thesis, teaching manual).

7)     Documentation of teaching and other field experience (e.g., copy of teaching evaluation or letter recommendation from supervisor.)

8)     An interview with the program faculty.

9)     International students must submit official test scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 557 on the written test or 220 on the computer-based test or a score of at least 78% on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). All tests bust have been taken within the past two years.*

*These items are required of applicants to any of UNC Charlotte' s doctoral programs.

 

Degree Requirements

 

Doctoral Seminars in Special Education (15 credits)

SPED8671     Doctoral Seminar in Research in Special Education (3)

SPED8672     Doctoral Seminar in Leadership in Special Education (3)

SPED8673     Doctoral Seminar in Innovation in Special Education (3)

SPED8674     Doctoral Seminar in Teaching in Special Education (3)

SPED8699     Dissertation Seminar (3)

 

Research and Practice in Special Education (11 credits)

Note: The following courses are used in the development of portfolios I and II.

SPED8471     Professional Writing (2) (Take concurrent with SPED 8671)

SPED8472     Research Implementation (2) (Take concurrent with SPED 8271)

SPED8473     Grant Writing (2) (Take concurrent with SPED 8673)

SPED8474     Supervision of Student Teachers (5) (Take concurrent with SPED 8674)

 

One of these:

SPED8475     College Teaching (3) (Take after coteaching at least one course) OR

SPED8476     Internship (3) (Take anytime after completion of first 24 credits; May be in higher education, government, agency, school district)

 

Research (15 credits + Doctoral Seminar in Research & Dissertation Seminar)

RSCH8110     Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (3)

RSCH8120     Advanced Statistics (3)

RSCH8113     Single-Case Research (3)

Select 2 of the following:

RSCH6130     Presentation and Computer Analysis of Educational Data (3)

RSCH8140     Multivariate Statistics (3)

RSCH8211     Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3)

RSCH8212     Survey Research Methods in Education (3)

RSCH8296     Program Evaluation Research Methods in Education (3)

 

Specialty (15 credits)

An individually designed specialty of graduate courses developed by student and advisor and approved by the Special Education Doctoral Committee. This specialty will typically be related to the student's major area of expertise (e.g., BED, LD, MD, SP, EC, Gifted, Transition), but students are encouraged to consider coursework in general education or other disciplines (e.g., taking Ed. Leadership coursework to get the 113 Certification Curriculum Instruction Specialist Certificate). It is strongly recommended that this specialty include:

Coteaching in one or more licensure or other courses related to student's specialty

One or more SPED 8670: Advanced Research Topics in Special Education

 

Additional Degree Requirements

In addition to coursework and the dissertation, students complete a portfolio of achievements related to the four focus areas- leadership, innovation, teaching, and research. This portfolio must receive satisfactory ratings from the Portfolio Review Committee at two critical junctures known as Benchmark One and, Two. The first benchmark serves as a Qualifying Examination and includes demonstration of writing, teaching, and research skills. The second benchmark is comparable to the comprehensive exams required by some Ph.D. programs in Special Education and includes the development of a grant.  Students receive opportunities to build this portfolio through the Research and Practice coursework. The following are some of the products in the portfolio: research based paper, journal review, conference presentation, personal leadership plan, grant proposal, quality enhancement plan, and research report.

 

Admission to Candidacy

Once the student has an approved dissertation proposal, an application for candidacy should be submitted first to the advisor, then to the portfolio committee, and the Doctoral Coordinator. The application for candidacy must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the semester in which the student graduates. In the Special Education program, it is recommended that this application be made as soon as the proposal has been approved.

 

Dissertation Requirements

The purpose of the dissertation is for doctoral students to demonstrate their ability to synthesize the professional literature and generate new knowledge for the profession through using well-established research tools. For the Ph.D. in Special Education, the dissertation may be quantitative (group or single subject) or qualitative research. Whatever type of design, it must adhere to current standards for quality as reflected in professional writing on the chosen method of research design and reflected in the current literature. Students must be continuously enrolled for dissertation research credits through the semester of graduation. Defense of the dissertation is conducted in a final oral examination that is open to the university community.

 

Application for Degree

Students must submit an Application for Degree during the semester in which they successfully defend their dissertation proposal. Adherence to Graduate School deadlines is expected. Degree requirements are completed when students successfully defend their dissertation and file the final copy of the dissertation in the Graduate School.

 

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

For the M.Ed. in Special Education, an "A" level license in special education from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (or its equivalent from another state) is required. For the M.Ed. in Academically or Intellectually Gifted, an "A" level license in an elementary, middle, or secondary education teaching field is required.

 

Program of Study

The mission of the Special Education (SPED) program is to "develop excellent professionals" for educational roles in public and private educational agencies and nonprofit agencies. The 39-hour M.Ed. in Special Education is organized around five major goals. These goals and related experiences are designed to help teachers become data-based decision makers. We believe that master teachers are self-reflective, lifelong learners who have an advanced understanding of child development, content, and pedagogy; and who use research, experience, and professional judgment to lead others in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction for students with disabilities. The program is responsive to expectations set forth by NCATE (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education), NCDPI (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction), NBPTS (National Board of Professional Teacher Standards), CEC (Council for Exceptional Children), and the 1997 NC Excellent Schools Act. By focusing on "best practices" in special education and teacher education, the SPED program has established a model program that continuously achieves regional, state, and national recognition in scholarship, teaching, and research.

 

Additional Admission Requirements

1)     Official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted beyond high school documenting undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in jr./sr. years.

2)     Official agency reports of satisfactory GRE or MAT test scores (30th percentile or above).

3)     At least three evaluations from professional educators familiar with the applicant's personal and professional qualifications.

4)     A one or two page essay describing the applicant's experience and objective in undertaking graduate study.

 

Degree Requirements

 

M.Ed. in Special Education

 

Phase I: Developing Perspective (10 hours)

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)

EDUC6254    Individualizing Instruction for Diverse Learners (3)

ADMN6106   Legal Issues in Special Education (3)  

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Phase II: Content and Pedagogy (10 hours)

RSCH7113     Single-Case Research (3)

SPED6502     Advanced Classroom Management (3)

SPED6503     Instructional Design in Special Education (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Electives (15 hours)

 

Phase III: Collaborative Leadership (4 hours)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

M.Ed. in Academically or Intellectually Gifted

 

Phase I: Developing Perspective (7 hours)

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)

SPED5211     Nature and Needs of Gifted Students (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Phase II: Content and Pedagogy (25 hours)

SPED6000     Topics in Special Education: AIG (3)

SPED6124     Methods of Instructing Gifted Students (3)

SPED6161     Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Students (3)

SPED6224     Adapting Curriculum Materials and Classroom Differentiation (3)

SPED6241     Constructing Curriculum for Gifted Students (3)

SPED6270     Planning and Evaluation of Gifted Programs (3)

SPED6271     Leadership in Gifted Education (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

RSCH7111   Qualitative Methods (3)

 

Electives (3 hours)

 

Phase III: Collaborative Leadership (4 hours)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Admission to Candidacy Requirements

Apply the semester prior to planned graduation. Full-time students must have completed 19 hours and be enrolled for at least an additional 10 hours. Part-time students must have completed at least 31 hours.

 

Assistantships

The Program typically has a limited number of graduate assistantships with salaries starting at $8,000/ academic year. Applications are available from the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Child Development

(704-687-8772).

 

Internships

Neither the M.Ed. in Special Education nor the M.Ed. in Academically and Intellectually Gifted requires an internship.

 

Practica

Most courses require students to apply the knowledge learned in classes to public/private school classrooms.

 

Capstone Experiences

The capstone experience will be fulfilled by completing either a Master's Research Project (recommended) or a Comprehensive Portfolio (with approval of advisor).

 

Electives

The M.Ed. in Special Education includes 15 elective hours. This will enable students to add-on an additional North Carolina teaching license in a disability area (i.e., behavioral-emotional disabilities, cross-categorical, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, severe and profound disabilities), complete the Graduate Certificate in Supported Employment and Transition, or complete an individualized set of courses developed as a result of participating in the first SPED 6691 seminar or from discussing possibilities with their advisor. Students in the M.Ed. in Academically and Intellectually Gifted program have 3 elective hours.

 

Advising

Upon acceptance into the program all students are assigned an advisor. Students are expected to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss their coursework.

 

Licensure

Successful completion will lead to a North Carolina masters/advanced competencies license.

 

Committees

Each student will have a committee of two graduate faculty members who will provide guidance through the Capstone Experience. The committee will include the student's advisor, as well as one additional graduate faculty member chosen by the student.

 

Application for Degree

Apply the semester prior to planned graduation. Full-time students must have completed 19 hours and be enrolled for at least an additional 10 hours. Part-time students must have completed at least 31 hours.

 

Research Opportunities/Experiences

The Special Education faculty continuously achieves regional, state, and national recognition in scholarship, teaching, and research. As a result students will have multiple opportunities to become involved in practical, classroom-based research. In addition "action-research" projects are required in a variety of courses.

 

Tuition Waivers

A person qualifies for in-state tuition if he/she; is paid on the teacher salary schedule, has established legal residence in North Carolina, is employed full-time by a North Carolina public school, but only for "courses relevant to teacher certification or to professional development as a teacher." Contact the Graduate School for details.

 

Financial Aid/ Financial Assistance

Information is available from the Teacher Education Advising and Licensure Office located in  suite 119 New College of Education Building  (704- 687-8725).

 

Program Certifications/Accreditation

Both the Special Education M.Ed. Program and the Academically and Intellectually Gifted M.Ed. Program are fully accredited by NCATE, CEC, and NCDPI.

 

M.A.T. – SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

The Master of Arts in Teaching M.A.T. program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial licensure in special education (either General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum) and a master’s degree. For more information on the MAT, please visit our website at http://www.uncc.edu/education/mat.

 

Program of Study

The mission of the Special Education (SPED) program is to "develop excellent professionals" for educational roles in public and private educational agencies and nonprofit agencies. The 39-hour M.A.T. in Special Education is organized around five major goals. These goals and related experiences are designed to help teachers become data-based decision makers. We believe that master teachers are self-reflective, lifelong learners who have an advanced understanding of child development, content, and pedagogy; and who use research, experience, and professional judgment to lead others in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction for students with disabilities. The program is responsive to expectations set forth by NCATE (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education), NCDPI (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction), NBPTS (National Board of Professional Teacher Standards), CEC (Council for Exceptional Children), and the 1997 NC Excellent Schools Act. By focusing on "best practices" in special education and teacher education, the SPED program has established a model program that continuously achieves regional, state, and national recognition in scholarship, teaching, and research.

 

Additional Admission Requirements

1)     Official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted beyond high school documenting undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in jr./sr. years.

2)     Official agency reports of satisfactory GRE or MAT test scores (30th percentile or above).

3)     At least three evaluations from professional educators familiar with the applicant's personal and professional qualifications.

4)     A one or two page essay describing the applicant's experience and objective in undertaking graduate study.

 

Degree Requirements

 

M.A.T. in Special Education (Initial Licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum)

 

General Curriculum, Option A: Teachers with a non-special education license

 

Phase I (18 hours)

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5173     Diagnostic Assessment (3)

OR

SPED5270     Classroom Management (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5272     Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5275     Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5277     Teaching Writing to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED6475     Internship: General Curriculum (3)

 

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Phase II (21 Hours)

Take these courses first    

EDUC6254    Individualizing Instruction for Diverse Learners (3)

RSCH7113     Single Case Research

Take these courses next

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development

Followed by these courses

SPED6502     Advanced Classroom Management (3)

SPED6503     Instructional Design in Special Education (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

Take these courses last

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

General Curriculum, Option B: Teachers with a provisional (lateral entry) license or emergency license and students without a license.

 

Phase I (27 hours)

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.        

SPED5100     Introduction to Special Education (3)

SPED5173     Diagnostic Assessment (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

SPED5270     Classroom Management  (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5272     Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs (3)               

SPED5275     Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5277     Teaching Writing to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6475     Internship: General Curriculum (3)

 

*EIST 5100 completed (ONLY for students without a license)

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Phase II (12 Hours)

Take these courses first    

RSCH7113     Single Case Research (3)       

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)               

Take these courses next

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)     

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)               

Take these classes last

SPED6502     Advanced Classroom Management (3)

OR                 

SPED6503     Instructional Design in Special Education (3)                                                                    

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

M.A.T. in Special Education (Initial Licensure in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum)

 

Adapted Curriculum, Option A: Teachers with a non-special education license

 

Phase I (21 hours)

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5270     Classroom Management (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

SPED5273     Life Skills (3)

Take these courses next

SPED5274     General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)                               

SPED5278     Systematic Instruction in the Adapted Curriculum (3)                     

SPED5316     Transition Planning & Service Delivery (3)         

SPED6476     Internship: Adapted Curriculum (3)

 

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Phase II (18 Hours)

Take these courses first    

EDUC6254    Individualizing Instruction for Diverse Learners (3)

RSCH7113     Single Case Research (3)       

Take these courses next

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

Followed by these courses

SPED6502     Advanced Classroom Management (3)

SPED6503     Instructional Design in Special Education (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

Take these courses last

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Adapted Curriculum, Option B: Teachers with a provisional (lateral entry) license or emergency license and students without a license.

 

Phase I (27 hours)

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5100     Introduction to Special Education (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

SPED5270     Classroom Management  (3)

SPED5273     Life Skills (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5274     General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)

SPED5278     Systematic Instruction in the Adapted Curriculum (3)

SPED5316     Transition Planning and Service Delivery (3)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)   

SPED6276     Internship: Adapted Curriculum (3)

                               

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Phase II (12 Hours)

Take these courses first                                                                                                    

RSCH7113     Single Case Research (3)       

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)                                                               

Take these courses next

RSCH6101     Educational Research Methods (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

Take these courses last

SPED6502     Advanced Classroom Management (3)

SPED6691     Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development (1)

 

Admission to Candidacy Requirements

Apply the semester prior to planned graduation. Full-time students must have completed 19 hours and be enrolled for at least an additional 10 hours. Part-time students must have completed at least 31 hours.

 

Assistantships

The Program typically has a limited number of graduate assistantships with salaries starting at $8,000/ academic year. Applications are available from the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Child Development

(704-687-2531).

 

Internships

A three-hour internship is required for M.A.T. students. This internship can be done in a student’s place of employment or the University can find a placement for you.

 

Practica

Most courses require students to apply the knowledge learned in classes to public/private school classrooms.

 

Capstone Experiences

The capstone experience will be fulfilled by completing either a Comprehensive Portfolio (recommended) or a Master's Research Project (with approval of advisor).

 

Electives

There are no elective hours in The M.A.T. in Special Education.

 

Advising

Upon acceptance into the program all students are assigned an advisor. Students are expected to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss their coursework.

 

Licensure

Successful completion of Phase I will lead to an initial license and successful completion o Phase II will lead eligibility for a North Carolina masters/advanced competencies license.

 

Committees

Each student will have a committee of two graduate faculty members who will provide guidance through the Capstone Experience. The committee will include the student's advisor, as well as one additional graduate faculty member chosen by the student.

 

Application for Degree

Apply the semester prior to planned graduation. Full-time students must have completed 19 hours and be enrolled for at least an additional 10 hours. Part-time students must have completed at least 31 hours.

 

Research Opportunities/Experiences

The Special Education faculty continuously achieves regional, state, and national recognition in scholarship, teaching, and research. As a result students will have multiple opportunities to become involved in practical, classroom-based research. In addition "action-research" projects are required in a variety of courses.

 

Tuition Waivers

A person qualifies for in-state tuition if he/she; is paid on the teacher salary schedule, has established legal residence in North Carolina, is employed full-time by a North Carolina public school, but only for "courses relevant to teacher certification or to professional development as a teacher." Contact the Graduate School for further information.

 

Financial Aid/ Financial Assistance

Information is available from the Teacher Education Advising and Licensure Office located in suite 119 New College of Education Building  (704- 687-8725).

 

Program Certifications/Accreditation

The M.A.T. in Special Education is fully accredited by NCATE, CEC, and NCDPI.

 

POSTBAC FAST-TRACK LICENSURE PROGRAMS - SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Students who hold a Bachelors Degree from an accredited university can obtain an initial North Carolina Special Education teaching license in one of two areas: General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum.

 

Initial Licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum

 

General Curriculum, Option A: Teachers with a non-special education license. (18 hours)

 

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5173     Diagnostic Assessment (3)

OR

SPED5270     Classroom Management (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5272     Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5275     Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5277     Teaching Writing to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED6475     Internship: General Curriculum (3)

 

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

General Curriculum, Option B: Teachers with a provisional (lateral entry) license or emergency license and Students without a license. (27 hours)

 

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.        

SPED5100     Introduction to Special Education (3)

SPED5173     Diagnostic Assessment (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

SPED5270     Classroom Management  (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5272     Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs     

SPED5275     Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED5277     Teaching Writing to Students with Special Needs (3)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)

SPED6475     Internship: General Curriculum (3)

 

*EIST 5100 completed (ONLY for students without a license)

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Initial Licensure in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum

 

Adapted Curriculum, Option A: Teachers with a non-special education license (21 hours)

 

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5270     Classroom Management (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education

SPED5273     Life Skills (3)

 

Take these courses next

SPED5274     General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)                               

SPED5278     Systematic Instruction in the Adapted Curriculum (3)                     

SPED5316     Transition Planning & Service Delivery (3)         

SPED6476     Internship: Adapted Curriculum (3)

 

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Adapted Curriculum, Option B: Teachers with a provisional (lateral entry) license or emergency license and students without a license. (27 hours)

 

Take all of these courses first; they are required prerequisites for the courses below.

SPED5100     Introduction to Special Education (3)

SPED5175     Instructional Planning in Special Education (3)

SPED5270     Classroom Management  (3)

SPED5273     Life Skills (3)

Take these courses next. 

SPED5274     General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)

SPED5278     Systematic Instruction in the Adapted Curriculum (3)

SPED5316     Transition Planning and Service Delivery (3)

SPED6690     Consultation and Collaboration (3)   

SPED6276     Internship: Adapted Curriculum (3)

                               

Praxis II Specialty Area exams passed

Phase I completion form signed by advisor and filed with TEAL Office

Application for “A” license filed in TEAL office

 

Post-baccalaureate Admission Information

1)     Students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.

2)     Complete an Application for Admission as a post-baccalaureate student through the Graduate School

 

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES

 

Students who hold a Bachelors Degree from an accredited university can obtain an add-on license in Academically or Intellectually Gifted or earn a Supported Employment and Transition Graduate Certificate.

 

Academically or Intellectually Gifted Graduate Certificate

 

Any teacher seeking certification in Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) must first hold a general teaching license in elementary, middle school, or high school instruction. A Graduate Certificate provides a consistent, cohesive structure for teachers seeking AIG licensure that both meets the state licensure mandate and also provides maximum flexibility for later graduate study.

 

Requirements:

SPED5211     Nature and Needs of Gifted Students (3)

SPED6124     Methods of Instructing Gifted Students (3)

SPED6161     Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Students (3)

SPED6224     Adapting Curriculum Materials and Classroom Differentiation (3)

 

Admission Requirements for AIG Graduate Certificate

Students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.

1)     Students must submit an Application for Admission to a Graduate Program

2)     Students must provide original transcripts that indicate a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.75 and a junior/senior GPA of at least 3.0.

3)     Students are not required to take the GRE or MAT. However, students must take the GRE or MAT before applying to the Special Education master's degree program.

4)     If accepted into the master's degree program, a maximum of twelve (12) Graduate Certificate hours may be applied to the master's degree program in Special Education with the consent of the Graduate Program Coordinator.

5)     Admission to the Graduate Certificate program does not ensure admission into a master's degree program.

6)     Students must have a teaching license in an elementary, middle, or secondary education teaching field.

 

Supported Employment and Transition Graduate Certificate

 

The Graduate Certificate Program in Supported Employment and Transition is a 12-hour program. It serves two groups of educational professionals: (1) those who work in adult human-service agencies that provide on-the-job training and support (supported employment) for individuals with disabilities; and (2) those who work in school systems and are responsible for helping students with disabilities prepare to live, work, and learn as adults (transition from school to adulthood).

 

Program Objectives

As specialists in supported employment and transition for youth who have disabilities, graduates of the program are prepared to:

Work as job coaches and employment training specialists

Provide community-based training for persons with disabilities

Assist students in making the transition from school to adulthood.

 

Additional Requirements for Admission

Applicants to the program in Supported Employment and Transition are admitted to the Graduate School in a special category for certificate students. Admission requirements are listed in the Graduate School section of the catalog. Admission to a graduate certificate program at UNC Charlotte does not ensure subsequent admission to a graduate degree program.

 

Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate Program in Supported Employment and Transition requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, at least six of which must be at the 6000 level. No transfer credit is accepted, although UNC Charlotte "distance learning" courses in Supported Employment and Transition may be applied to meet the program's requirements. Students must earn grades of B or better in each of the courses in the 12-hour program of study. The program includes the following core courses and support courses:

 

Core Courses (6 hours)

SPED5316     Transition Planning and Service Delivery (3)

SPED6321     Community-based Instruction (3)

 

Support Courses (6 hours) Choose two of the following courses:

SPED6351     Interagency Collaboration (3)

SPED6640     Seminar in Special Education: Working with Families (3)

SPED6311     Introduction to Supported Employment (3)

SPED6474     Internship: Mental Disabilities (3)

 

Courses In Special Education

SPED 5000. Topics in Special Education. (1-6) May include classroom and/or clinical experiences in the content area. With department approval, may be repeated for credit for different topics. (On demand)

 

SPED 5100. Introduction to Special Education. (3) Examines the historical antecedents of contemporary practices in the field of special education and current trends in the field of education.  Addresses individualized general curriculum licensing standards and adapted or individualized independence curriculum licensing standards.  Examines one’s personal philosophy of special education and the diversity of students with disabilities.  Identifies and critiques instructional implications of published research. Field-based clinical activity required. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

 

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