Behavior-Learning Disabilities (M.Ed.)

MEd in Special Education Handbook (BLD)

Program Theme: Leadership and Scholarship Focused on Learning and Development

Students entering this program must already hold a certificate in special education based on an accredited college/university program or will complete the approved certification sequence prior to enrolling in master’s level courses. The M.Ed. major in Behavior/Learning Disabilities provides students with the depth of knowledge and breadth of skill in educating students with mild disabilities required of a “master teacher.” The M.Ed. program is an advanced program that emphasizes research-based strategies, effective pedagogy, and data-based decision making. Students are provided advanced instruction on how to select appropriate curricula, employ effective methods of instruction, make assessment based decisions, and utilize effective classroom and student management procedures. Additionally, students are prepared to work collaboratively and exhibit the highest standards of professionalism while maximizing pupil learning and development.

Program Degree Requirements
Master of Education in Behavior/Learning Disabilities
A. Professional Studies (9).
Select one (3):
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)

Select one (3):
EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)
EPRS 7920 Classroom Testing, Grading, and Assessment (3)

Select one (3):
EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)
EPY 7090 The Psychology of Learning and Learners: The Young Child (3)

B. Teaching Field/Major (24). The Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education requires that students earn a grade of “B” or higher in each course in the teaching field/major. If students earn a grade below “B” in a course, they must repeat that course. Students will be allowed to repeat a course in this manner one time. Students who fail to earn a grade of “B” or higher after taking the course a second time will be scholastically excluded from this major.

Required (21):
EDMT 7400 Mathematical Concepts for Special Learners (3)
EXC 7130 Assessment for Instructional Planning (3)
EXC 7150 Methods for Teaching Academics to Students with Behavior and Learning Disabilities (3)
EXC 7160 Strategies for Social and Emotional Behavior in Students with Behavior and Learning
Disabilities (3)
EXC 7170 Methods for Teaching Functional Life Skills to Students with Behavior and Learning
Disabilities (3)
EXC 7460 Mathematical Instruction in Special Education I (3)
EXC 7941 Practicum III: Special Education General Curriculum: Consultative (3)

C. Elective (6).
Students must select two of the following guided electives:
EXC 7010 Language Development and Disabilities (3)
EXC 7030 Applied Behavioral Analysis (3)
EXC 7310 Strategies for Challenging Behaviors (3)
EXC 7320 Methods of Teaching Students with Autism (3)
EXC 7340 Post-School Transition for Students with Disabilities (3)
EXC 7470 Mathematical Instruction in Special Education II (3)
Or other courses with the approval of the program advisor.

Program total: minimum of 36 semester hours

Initial Certification:
Highly Qualified in Mathematics:
Students may become highly qualified in mathematics by passing the following courses (a) EXC 7460 Mathematics Instruction in Special Education (I), (b) EXC 7470 Mathematics Instruction in Special Education (II), (c) EDMT 7400 Math Concepts for Special Learners, and (d) two additional courses in mathematics as approved by the advisor.

Additional information:
Substitutions may be made with the approval of the student’s advisor for courses previously taken or other appropriate experiences. Students must pass the appropriate state examinations and a comprehensive examination. The minimum number of credit hours is 36 for a master’s degree.

Students may be given credit for EPY 2050 if prior appropriate course work can be documented. Approval must be obtained from their advisor. Students may not transfer any other course credits into the certification program. Students may become highly qualified in reading by passing EDRD 6600, EXC 7190, and EDRD 7650 and completing a reading portfolio. Students who are already highly qualified in reading may be exempt from taking EDRD 6600 and EDRD 7650. Students must provide documentation of passing a state examination in reading or a copy of their teaching certificate indicating their reading highly qualified status to receive credit for these two courses. Approval must be obtained from the student’s advisor. Students who do not satisfactorily pass a course must retake the course and satisfactorily pass the course prior to taking additional courses in the program. Course
may be repeated once.

Evaluation of a student’s performance is continuous and involves consideration of each student’s performance in all academic settings. Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct by any student may result in the student being dropped from a course or program. If such removal from a course is necessary, the student will receive the grade of “F” and may be judged ineligible to reenroll in the course. Georgia State University will only recommend an individual for certification who has completed a program approved by the College of Education’s Professional Education Faculty and developed under the guidance of a faculty advisor.