Special Education
Overview
GSEAP offers a variety of options for educators seeking to serve children who need specialized support through educational, social, rehabilitative, and behavioral management approaches. The School offers a Master of Arts degree in Special Education; a Certificate of Advanced Study for those already holding master's degrees; a Cross-Endorsement in Special Education for those already holding certification in classroom teaching; and Initial Educator Certification for college graduates with no teaching certification.
The programs provide a solid foundation in theory and in-school opportunities through which that theory can be tested and applied. Fairfield's location in an area with forward-looking urban and suburban school districts provides excellent opportunities for practical experience and internships. The program encourages active dialogue between faculty and students.
Course of Study
M.A. (33 credits)
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Multicultural Issues in Counseling
- Seminar in Special Education
- SE coursework (minimum of 24 credits, not including practica courses)
Note: The post-master's Certificate of Advanced Study - CAS - program curriculum is under review and will not admit during academic 2007-2008
Certification Programs - Initial Educator (48 credits) or Cross-Endorsement (42 credits)
- Multicultural Issues in Counseling - OR - Teaching and Learning Within Multicultural Contexts of Education
- Introduction to Educational Technology
- Psychoeducational Issues in Special Education
- Introduction to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- Theories of and Introduction to Learning Disabilities
- Introduction to Children and Youth with Emotional Disturbances
- Developmental and Remedial Reading and Language Arts
- Management Techniques in Special Education
- Administration of Educational Tests
- Parents and Families of Individuals with Disabilities
- Skill Development for Individual Educational Plans
- Curriculum and Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (initial program only)
- Collaboration and Consultation for the Special Educator (initial program only)
- Diagnostic Procedures in Special Education
- Student Teaching in Special Education (initial program only)
- Practica in Special Education (cross-endorsement program only)
- Pass the Comprehensive Examination
Admission Qualifications for Certification Program
Candidates for certification must:
- pass an entry examination of essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics (PRAXIS I - PPST) or must have this requirement waived based on appropriate SAT, ACT, PAA, or GRE scores.
- have achieved a GPA of at least 2.67 (waivers are available on a case by case basis and may require supplemental undergraduate coursework to increase the undergraduate GPA and/or completion of two approved graduate education courses, depending on GPA.)
Research and Practica
Original research is encouraged throughout the program. Fairfield students have shared their observations and findings in discussions with other students and in presentations at professional conferences. Some recent student projects have included a paper on nonverbal learning disabilities, a manual on behavior management strategies for middle school educators, an exploration of meta-cognition in students with learning disabilities, research on dance therapy for deaf individuals, and a study of family and sibling issues for individuals with disabilities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program in Special Education are currently teaching in many towns and cities in Connecticut, as well as in other states. The reputation of the program is a positive factor for those seeking employment as a special educator.
Teaching Internship Program (Paid Internship)
Two active internship programs provide outstanding opportunities for students enrolled in M.A. and Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) programs in education to gain valuable experience and to defray a significant portion of their cost of study.
- The Internship for Certified Teachers accommodates novice teachers and those re-entering the profession.
- The Internship for Non-Certified Teachers is designed for prospective teachers, and provides them with insight into their future profession.
Both programs bring graduate students into public school settings for year-long experiences that include a range of responsibilities, from small group teaching, to substituting, to assisting tenured faculty.
In return for the intern's service, the school district deposits $12,000 with Fairfield University. This amount is banked for interns to draw upon for courses taken toward their degree or certification. Deadline for applying for upcoming academic year is June 15th.
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