Location:

West Chester, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Graduate Certificate

Specialty:

Special Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Philadelphia Multi-University Campus will hold faculty members and programs from across the the PASSHE educational system. From West Chester University, the programs being offered will be Special Education and Literacy. **Special Education M.Ed. - Special Education; Certification of Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Ceritification Teaching English as a Second Language; Certification Leadership for Women In keeping with the purpose of teacher education at West Chester University, the prime mission of the Master of Education in Special Education is to prepare advanced-level teachers who can synthesize and apply self-awareness in general knowledge of a) the study of the learner with disabilities, b) the appropriate content for the learner with disabilities, and c) effective classroom pedagogy. This integrative process encourages reflection on the science of teaching and results in a professional who is able to make sound, ethical education decisions regarding curriculum and instructional strategies for students with disabilities. The program is, in the traditional sense, an opportunity if one is already ceritified in a particular area of interest to extend one's knowledge in a new and professionally rewarding direction. The special education program is enriched by the practical experiences available in a variety of teaching situations. Available certification in specialization in Autism spectrum disorders (18 credit hours). **Literacy M.Ed. - Reading, Certification as a Reading Specialist; Literacy certification The Department of Literacy perpares reading professionals to be effective literacy teachers and specialists in schools acrosst he Commonwealth of Pennsylcania and beyond. Students learn that supporting cildren and young adults in their literacy learning requires an understanding of language and literacy development, effective instruction, and appropriate assessment. Throughout the program, students explore the many ways teachers and their students create learning communities and are part of a larger community of readers and writers. Students learn to understand and respect cultural, lunguistic, and thnic diversity, as well as recognize the ways in which diversity enhances the reading and writing of students. Finally, the department supports students as they become dedicated professionals who are active agents in their own teaching and learning. WCU's graduate programs reflect the International Reading Association standards and competencies and the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements. The M.Ed. in Reading is a 36-credit master's program designed to give students advanced knowledge of language and literacy development, instruction, and assessment. It provides a balanced literacy program with emphasis on classroom instruction and on assessment-based instruction for children who are stuggling with literacy. Students in this program can choose among educationalpsychology, research methods, inclusion, and educational foundations as requied electives. Two certifications are also offered in this program: Reading Specialist and Literacy. The reading specialist cert is a 30 credit program that overlaps the M.Ed. so that students working towards the master's can easily take these 30 credits towards certification. Upon successful completion, the comprehensive exm, and the Praxis, students are recommended for PA certification as reading specialists. The Liteacy cert is an 18-credit program for those not seeking an M.Ed. or reading specialist cert.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education International Reading Association Pennsylvania Department of Education

Financial Aid:

Yes