Special Education Graduate Program

FALL 2012

Signing Up

Full Admission

UG GPA 2.5

Good standing on previous graduate work

GPA 3.0 on first 6 hours (no grade below a B)

Praxis I (reading writing and math) passing scores

Mrs. Lambert Says:

Don’t wait to take your Praxis tests

You don’t want to be unable to register for your next semester

A Word About Test Scores

Your Praxis scores are checked twice

Our program checks your scores for admission to the program

The state checks your scores when you apply for a license

If the cutoff changes before you apply for a license you will be held to the MOST RECENT cutoff

What Does This Mean?

If the cutoff goes up- you may have to retake the test before applying for a license

This DOES NOT apply if you already have a license

This DOES NOT apply if you meet the new cutoff already

Why is This Important?

Because the scores just went up

Praxis Reading 172

Praxis Writing 173

Praxis Math 172

Making the grade

3.0 GPA overall

B average on core courses (EPY 601, ELR 605)

No more than 2 Cs, no Ds, no Fs

CAUTION: All grades in graduate school count toward GPA, even if you retake and make a higher grade. So get it right the first time!!

Classes can only be retaken once, so be very careful.

Dr. K says

All of the classes are online

You must keep up in online classes

If you feel yourself getting behind call for help

The longer you wait the less likely it is you

can fix things

Secrets of Success in an Online Degree Program

You must have access to a reliable computer and high speed Internet

You can use libraries or campus labs, but consider availability and time limits

Your computer must have capacity to do all tasks for each class

Work with DSU IT 846-4444 or 866-264-1465 (toll free)to troubleshoot your problems

Wimba: Opportunities and Expectations

Opportunities

Live class meetings in your pajamas!

All the snacks you provide for yourself

Visual and auditory

Time for questions and interactions

Archived sessions you can revisit

Expectations

Other than under extraordinary circumstances, attendance is mandatory

Notify instructor if you cannot attend

Participation is expected

If you cannot attend live you must view the archived session

A Word About Financial Aid

Rules for financial aid are mostly federal regulations; DSU has little discretion

Dropping a class always has financial implications; check with student business services before you drop a class even if you do not receive financial aid

If you register for classes but decide not to attend, officially withdraw before classes start so you will not incur financial penalties

Financial aid will not pay for classes that are not on your program of study or for classes taken on non-degree status

Dr. Hartley says

You need to proactive about financial aid

Ask questions

Don’t make assumptions

Academic Advisement

You are expected to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester to plan your program and register for classes

These meetings can be in person, on the phone, or by email

Do not make changes to your schedule without prior approval from your advisor

Do not ask for PIN numbers over phone or by e-mail other than in the context of an advisement meeting

For program issues see Dr. Hartley, for personnel issues see Dr. Garrison 846-4370

The team says:

We believe in systematic academic advisement

But you are an adult with adult responsibilities

We try to find a balance of faculty guidance and candidate self advocacy

Achieving Your Goals

Exiting the program

GPA 3.0

B average in core classes

No more than 2 Cs, no Ds, no Fs

PRAXIS I, PLT*, Specialty* (0354)

Application for written comprehensive exams

Application for graduation

Internship (supervised)

Program assessments

Seeking Licensure

Application online

Conference with advisor about supplemental endorsements

* Send an e copy of your PLT

passing score and your Specialty 0354 passing score with sub scores to your advisor.

Eight Program Assessments (for details see assessment manual)

Praxis II Specialty Area (0354)

Comprehensive Examination

TWS: Special Education- (Preplanning)

TWS: Special Education (Post-planning)

Teacher Intern Assessment Instrument

Special Education Professional Folio

Individualized Education Case Study

Special Education Assessment Folio

Other Assessments

Required

PLT ( you must take ONE of the following)

Principles of Learning and Teaching: (must take ONE of the following)

Grades K–6 (0622 or 5622) Cutoff 160

Grades 5–9 (0623 or 5623) Cutoff 160

Grades 7–12 (0624 or 5624)Cutoff 157

Think About

221 license The license you receive after

completing this program (221 license) only qualifies your to teach in inclusive settings.

Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (0511) This qualifies you to teach core

subjects to students with disabilities (910 license)

Endorsement in Severe Disabilities Requires just 3 more courses- CSP

648, CSP 583 and CSP 585