Special Education
Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Department of Teaching and Learning
The Department of Teaching and Learning is committed to preparing high-quality professionals in Special Education who are able to address the academic needs of all students. The Special Education Bachelor of Science Program provides our graduates with the theoretical and practical knowledge to meet the specific needs of urban students using research-based practices to support individual student needs and to address the diversity reflected within urban environments, while valuing the academic standards of the profession.
The Special Education Program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and is offered in a unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
The primary objectives of the Special Education Program is to prepare teacher candidates who are equipped with knowledge and skills to effectively teach and meet the academic needs of all students; as well as to:
- Plan and engage children in activities through exploration, experimentation, and discovery;
- Effectively teach and meet the academic needs of all students in special programs;
- Teach students with their exceptionalities in mind using meaningful and challenging experiences;
- Demonstrate the ability to establish learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive to effectively teach students with exceptionalities;
- Engage with students the exceptionalities consistent with ethical principles and practices;
- Deconstruct curricula, be familiar with curricula organization, objectives, and procedures; as well as the instructional resources of the school and community to effectively implement curricula;
- Apply knowledge and skills acquired during practical experiences to effectively analyze teaching practices and experiences while engaging in the selection, planning, presentation, and evaluation of content knowledge;
- Apply and reflect on the practical application of theories and principles of learning to support and motivate learners;
- Knowledgeable collaborate with the boarder community of education professionals and practice continuous professional growth; and
- Engage with current research to plan and apply tenets of practitioner research that demonstrate effective assessment of student learning and use those data to support learners and improve practices.
- Apply knowledge and skills in the use of technology to support instruction, access and manipulate data, enhance professional growth and productivity; communicate; and conduct research.
Classroom experiences are gained from participation of practical experiences in the School of Education’s Professional Development Schools (PDS).
This program and its courses are aligned with the standards articulated by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), and Maryland Teacher Technology Standards (MMTS).
Eligible Candidates
This academic program applies to persons strongly interested in teaching learners with exceptionalities in diverse classroom settings and working collaboratively with their families. Teacher candidates who are eligible for admission must meet the following requirements:
- Must have a 3.0 G.P.A or better
- Must have successfully completed at least 30 credits
- Must submit a Declaration of Major form
- Must complete a Phase I: Readiness to Enter the Program Portfolio
- Must have completed the English and Mathematics requirements (ENGL 101 & 102: MATH 103)
- Must have passed Praxis I (Math, Reading, and Writing components)
- Must complete an interview with the Chairperson and another faculty member
Program Requirements
The chairperson assigns each teacher candidate an advisor to guide the teacher candidate’s program of study. Teacher must complete a 3-Phase Professional Portfolio. In addition to completing the General Education Requirements, teacher candidates enrolling in special education undergraduate program must complete the following curriculum plan.
All special education majors must complete MATH 103 (Math for Elementary Teachers 1) and PHSC 101 (Physical Science).
The following is a sample plan of study. This is not intended as a self-advising guide or as a substitute for seeing your academic advisor about your specific plan of study. Please speak to an advisor before choosing your course load each semester.