ESE Program of Study
Masters in Exceptional Student Education Program of Study
The College of Community Innovation and Education offers two Masters Degree programs in Exceptional Education: the Master of Education in Exceptional Education and the Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education K-12/ESOL Endorsement.
Note: Teacher preparation programs are subject to any change in the Florida Administrative Code (State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066). Students enrolled in these programs should remain in close contact with their advisor to keep informed of any program changes implemented to comply with new state requirements. Substitutions/waivers may be granted if comparable course(s) (grad or undergrad) were completed –subject to approval.
Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education
The M.Ed. degree prepares exceptional education teachers to work in programs serving PreK-12 students with disabilities. It is designed for teachers already professionally certified in exceptional student education (or other certification in special education) to enhance their knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Individual Learning Projects, including research skills and action research, will be infused within courses of the specialization and a culminating comprehensive exam synthesizing current research will be completed to demonstrate mastery of skills, knowledge, and dispositions of standards from accrediting educational agencies. The incorporation of the Graduate Certificate in ASD requires modifications to the standard M.Ed. program of study.
Master of Education in Exceptional Education and Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.pdfMaster of Arts in Exceptional Student Education
K-12/ESOL Endorsement
The M.A. program is for non-education majors or previously certified teachers in another content area. Graduates must be eligible for certification by the successful completion of the degree program in the area of exceptional student education (ESE) and achieving a passing score on the Florida certification exam. Graduates will also be eligible for reading and ESOL endorsement upon successful completion of the Masters degree program, if not currently endorsed. Individual Learning Projects, including research skills and action research, will be infused within courses of the specialization and a culminating comprehensive exam synthesizing current research will be completed to demonstrate mastery of skills, knowledge, and dispositions of standards from accrediting educational agencies. The incorporation of the Graduate Certificate in ASD requires modifications to the standard M.A. program of study.
Master of Arts in Exceptional Education and Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.pdfComprehensive Exam Requirement:
Both the M.Ed. and the M.A. programs require a comprehensive examination synthesizing current research will be completed to demonstrate mastery of skills, knowledge, and dispositions of standards from accrediting educational agencies.
Courses for the Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders:
EEX 6246 Nature of Autism: Theory and Educational Practice
Course Description: This course is designed to address theory and teaching applications for students with autism spectrum disorders including an historical overview of ASD, major theories and trends, etiological and diagnostic issues, classroom structure, research based instructional strategies, and family involvement. Twenty hours of field-based experience is required with this course.
EEX 6297 Assessment, Diagnosis, and Curriculum Prescriptions for Students with Autism
Course Description: This course addresses contemporary assessments and models for assessing exceptional children. It also addresses curriculum and prescription. Specific emphasis will be placed on assessment of students with severe and profound disabilities (SPD). A field-based experience will include applied assignments involving ongoing classroom based assessment, data collection, data-based decision making, and program development for a student with SPD. Twenty hours of field-based experience is required with this course.
EEX 6612 Methods of Behavior Management
Course Description: Course content includes analysis of the principles of behavior management and application of these principles to student behavior and classroom management. Using research as a basis, focus is placed on current practice in evaluation and treatment services to address specific behavioral challenges and positive interventions for students with ASD.
SPA 6437 Communication Foundations and Assistive/Instructional Technology for Communication
Course Description: Students will learn specific classroom approaches to meet the communication needs of students with ASD and other communication disorders. This course will involve an extensive overview of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and services.