Special Needs: Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K-8, 5-12)

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The 36 credit program satisfies the requirements for the Appropriate Master’s Degree in Moderate Disabilities and prepares special needs teachers who already possess an Initial License in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for Professional Licensure in the state of Massachusetts at both the Pre-K–8 and 5–12 levels. The Appropriate Master’s Degree focuses on:

The study of advanced level subject matter and teaching methods focused on the assessment and support of the students with moderate disabilities; and
An in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing teachers to build a deeper understanding of the field in which they teach, the Appropriate Master’s Degree also provides educators with an opportunity to understand the trends in 21st century American education that have an impact on their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities for the appropriate grade level (Pre-K–8 or 5–12)

Distinction between Pre-K-8 and 5-12 levels

The content covered in HST 531, MTH 579, and SCN 571 in the curriculum outlined below have been designed to delineate Pre-K–8 and 5–12 grade levels.

Specific Admission Requirements

Application form and fee;
Statement of professional goals;
Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor degree);
Two letters of recommendation;
A copy of a Massachusetts Initial License in Moderate Disabilities for the appropriate grade level; and
Official score on either the Miller Analogies Test or GRE.

Curriculum Requirements -Total Credits Required: 36

Program of Study

Plus Comprehensive Examination

Completion Requirements

To successfully exit from the Appropriate Master’s Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and, where relevant, the required field work and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional Licensure

According to DOE regulations, a Professional License is granted to individuals who possess an Initial License, have completed an Appropriate Master’s Degree in an Education school, have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of license. Students completing the Master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., moderate disabilities for Pre-K–8 or 5–12, will be advised to apply for the Professional License when they have met these requirements. Students who have met the induction and employment requirements will be advised to apply for their Professional License with the DESE after completion of the program.

Other Options for Obtaining Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilities

Please refer to the program of study for Master of Education in Initial Licensure in Reading and Literacy as another option for obtaining Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–8, 5–12).