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2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Special Education - Learning Disabilities 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.

Accreditation
Nationally Recognized by Specialty Program Association: Council for Exceptional Children
Michigan Department of Education Approval

Admission Requirements, Retention, and Termination Standards
Students who are degree seeking and are working for special education endorsement are required to take additional courses beyond the normal requirements for the master's degree. Students who want to enroll in a master's degree program and are not seeking special education endorsement should select a master's degree emphasis program and consult with a special education graduate advisor to develop a program consisting of foundations and emphasis coursework, including research applications.

Minimum Number of Hours in Program
The M.Ed. degree in special education with an emphasis in learning disabilities requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.

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

Requirements for M.Ed. in Learning Disabilities

Candidates for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following courses:

Social foundations of education - choose one (take early in program) (3 credits):

Research and evaluation (take early in program) (3 credits):

Special education courses - choose one (3 credits):

  • EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education (3 credits) (required for LD candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement) take early in program

    OR Elective coursework
  • Elective Credits: 3 (required for LD candidates who DO hold a special education endorsement) take anytime in program (advisor approval required)

Learning Disabilities Courses (21 credits):

Practicum/graduate field experience (required for ALL LD candidates) (3 credits):

  • EDS 685 - Learning Disabilities Practicum Credits: 3

Capstone - choose one (prerequisite: EDF 660) (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 1-3 credits (693) or 1-6 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.

Requirement for Learning Disabilities K-12 Endorsement (single endorsement)

Candidates for this program must possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate. Candidates adding a new endorsement must pass the Michigan Subject Area Test and maintain a 3.0 G.P.A. Completion of both EDS 636 and EDS 638 satisfy the state reading requirement PA 118.

Special education coursework: Required for LD candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement. Take EDS 652 first and EDS 609 anytime.

Pre-teaching coursework: Required for LD candidates who DO NOT hold a special education endorsement. Application required

Elective coursework: Required for LD candidates who DO hold a special education endorsement. Advisor approval required. Take anytime.

  • Elective Credits: 3

Learning disabilities coursework: Required for ALL LD candidates.

Take anytime:

Practicum coursework: Required for ALL LD candidates. Application Required
Take last:

  • EDS 685C - Practicum/Graduate Fields Experience Credits: 6

If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.