(Interrelated: Behavior Disorder s, Learning Disabilities & Mild Intellectual Disability)

The M.Ed. program in Behavior/Learning Disabilities provides students who have completed an initial teacher certification program in special education from an accredited college or university 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 training program that emphasizes research-based strategies, effective pedagogy, and data-based decision making. Our graduates are prepared to work collaboratively and exhibit the highest standards of professionalism while maximizing pupil learning and development.

Students who do not hold a professional and renewable certificate in special education or who hold such a certificate that is not based on an accredited college or university teacher preparation program in special education may apply for the M.Ed. program but must complete the certification courses prerequisite to the master’s degree course work. The certification course sequence prepares a student to teach students with disabilities across categories of mild disabilities (i.e., emotional and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and mild mental retardation). The course of study meets the requirements for professional and renewable certificate in Interrelated Special Education.

Master level students are provided advanced instruction on the characteristics of students with behavior and learning exceptionalities, taught to select appropriate curricula, employ effective methods of instruction, make assessment based decisions, and utilize effective classroom and student management procedures. The program builds on our undergraduate certification program in Interrelated Special Education. Categorical certification can be obtained in behavior disorders, learning disabilities, or mental retardation by electing to do the terminal practicum in an appropriate setting. 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.

Academic Preparation

Students entering this program will already hold a certificate in special education based on an accredited college or university preparation program, or they will complete our approved certification sequence prior to enrolling in master’s level courses. The certification sequence consists of course work in the following areas and is independent of the requirements for the master’s degree.

Human Growth and Development
Characteristics of Students with Disabilities
Assessment of Exceptional Children
Individual and Classroom Management
Instructional Methods for Students with Behavior/Learning Disabilities
Functional and Social Methods for Students with Behavior/Learning Disabilities
Student Teaching/Practicum (6)

Students, who must complete the certification sequence, may enroll in a graduate level course during the same term that the final practicum for initial certification is being taken. Evaluation of a student’s performance is continuous and involves consideration of the student’s performance in all academic settings. Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct by a student may result in a 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 re-enroll in the course.
Program of Study

The major courses in the Behavior Learning Disabilities (BLD) program cover the broad scope of advanced information in the education of students, from early childhood through high school (ages 5- 21), with mild behavioral and learning disabilities. The courses in the BLD program are listed below. Descriptions of the courses can be found by clicking on this link: Course Descriptions

EXC 7110 Characteristics of Students with BLD
EXC 7130 Assessment for Instructional Planning
EXC 7150 Methods of Teaching Academics
EXC 7160 Strategies for Social and Emotional Behavior
EXC 7170 Methods of Teaching Functional Life Skills
EXC 7190 Alternative Approaches to Teaching Reading-BLD
EXC 7941 Practices and Interventions: Practicum III - BLD
EXC 7000 Collaboration for Professionals and Parents

In addition, students, with input from their advisors, are able to choose one guided elective to enhance their knowledge and competence in a specific area. The following are available as electives (choose one):

EXC 7340 Post-School Transition for Students with Disabilities OR
EXC 7320 Methods of Teaching Students with Autism OR
EDRD 7650 Individualized Assessment & Instruction for At-risk Readers OR
EXC 7010 Language Development and Disabilities OR
EXC 7030 Applied Behavioral Analysis OR
EXC 7310 Strategies for Challenging Behaviors

Finally, the M.Ed. program is completed with three courses chosen from the core areas required by the College of Education. The core areas are in the fields of Educational Psychology, Social Foundations, and Research. Students will create a core by taking one course in each of these areas. Students will:

Choose one from:

EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and the Learner
EPY 7090 The Psychology of Learning and the Learner: the Young Child
EPY 7100 The Psychology of Learning and the Learner: Pre/Adolescent

Choose one from:

EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education

Choose one from:

EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education
EPRS 7910 Action Research
EPRS 7920 Educational Measurement

Program total for M.Ed.: Minimum of 36 semester hours