Special Needs, Moderate Disabilities: Initial Licensure (PreK-8, 5-12) (Master of Education)

The curriculum for the Special Needs programs leading to licensure in Moderate Disabilities addresses theories of language development, including differences between first and second language acquisition and the effects of disabilities on learning and vocabulary development. The program explores diagnosis and assessment of that development; theories, concepts, and methods of assessment; educational terminology for students with mild to moderate disabilities; study of individualized Education Programs; curriculum development for students with mild to moderate disabilities; behavioral management principles; innovative practices emphasizing students with special needs; and the required pre-practicum and practicum experiences as described below.

A passing score on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to enrolling in the practicum is required.

Completion Requirements
To exit from the Special Needs program for Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and fieldwork. Prior to entering the practicum, teachers seeking a license as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities for PreK-8 must pass the General Curriculum test in addition to passing the Communication and Literacy and the Foundations of Readings tests. Those seeking this license for 5-12 must pass either the General Curriculum test or a subject matter test in one of the core academic subjects taught in 5-8 or 8-12 (such as history) in addition to passing the Communication and Literacy and the Foundations of Reading Tests. Students may be advised to take additional subject matter courses for meeting the above Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements.