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2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Special Education Administration Emphasis

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.

Website: www.gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission - Teaching, leading and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy - Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values - The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

The special education administration program is known for its comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for the many facets of special education administration including special education law, finance, personnel administration, staff development, curriculum, and current issues. Students participating in this program can receive a master's degree in special education administration or obtain approval as a special education supervisor or director of special education.

Accreditation
Nationally recognized by Specialty Program Association: Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Minimum Number of Hours in Program
The M.Ed. degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in special education administration requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. The approval program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours.

Program Location
DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Requirements for M.Ed. in Special Education Administration:

Candidates seeking a master's in special education administration complete the following:

Social foundation course (choose one) (3 credits):

Research and evaluation (3 credits):

Emphasis area courses (24 credits):

Choose one:

Practicum/graduate field experience (12 credits):

  • EDL 685 - K-12 Principal Field Experience Credits: 3
  • EDL 685 - Special Education Supervisor Credits: 3
  • EDL 685 - Special Education Director Credits: 3

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Capstone (prerequisite: EDF 660) - choose one (3 or 6 credits):

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (693) or one to six credits (695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Special Education Supervisor and Director Approval and Administrator Certificate:

Emphasis area courses (24 credits):

Choose one:

Practicum/graduate field experience (12 credits):

  • EDL 685 - K-12 Principal Field Experience Credits: 3
  • EDL 685 - Special Education Supervisor Credits: 3
  • EDL 685 - Special Education Director Credits: 3

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.


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