Special Education with a concentration in general education

Overview

Program goal

Through course work, the Special Education with a concentration in general education program at Virginia Commonwealth University will encompasses broad concepts of education, research, development, related disciplines and special education to build a foundation of professional knowledge and understanding. Specialized courses develop the intensive diagnostic, remedial, decision-making and consultative skills and understandings required of a professional in a special education-general education setting, including the ability to recognize educational and social problems, to formulate effective individualized instructional interventions using a variety of methodologies and modifications, to incorporate accommodations and transitions into program plans and to consult productively with appropriate personnel in the development of maximum educational opportunities for students with high-incidence disabilities. In addition to course work, candidates will create an electronic portfolio that will showcase their knowledge, skills and dispositions in the special education general curriculum.

The program offers candidates the opportunity to complete clinical placements in their own classroom or school with approval from VCU faculty and supervision by trained personnel. Placement opportunities for clinical experiences include a range of public and private schools and mental health programs that allow graduate students to select field experiences that are consistent with their professional goals. Previous teaching experience is valued, but not required. Students will have the opportunity to complete a practicum in addition to the externship. When students complete the program, they are eligible for licensure by the Virginia Department of Education with an endorsement to teach students enrolled in special education, general curriculum in grades K-12. Candidates are offered the option of taking a full-time or an on-the-job externship for a semester.

Student learning outcomes

• Learner and learning: Understand human development and learning theory appropriate to the age group they will teach and acquire an awareness of the diversity of the school-age population in cultural backgrounds and styles of learning

• Content: Demonstrate knowledge of the subjects they will teach

• Instructional practice: Demonstrate an ability to plan and implement effective teaching and measure student learning in ways that lead to sustained development and learning

• Professional responsibility: Develop an understanding of purposes for education and a defensible philosophical approach toward teaching and demonstrate professional dispositions