2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Dec 02, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Inclusive Special Education (Generalist) Grades 7-12, MS


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Contact:

Christine Ashby, 330 Huntington Hall, 315-443-3330, ceashby@syr.edu

The program leading to the master of science (M.S.) degree in Inclusive Special Education (Grades 7-12) Generalist builds on the long and distinguished traditions of inclusive education and disability studies at Syracuse University that examines disability as a social, cultural, and political construct, linked to issues of race, class and gender. A grounding assumption of the program is that students with disabilities must have access to academic instruction and social learning that is available to all students.

Students with no prior study in education, or with a certificate in another area, who are interested in working in supporting roles in grades 7-12 may apply to this program. Master’s degree candidates explore innovative approaches to modifying and adapting instruction, curriculum, and classroom structures to maximize active, meaningful participation of all learners. Students in the program participate half days during the Fall and Spring semester in area schools and collaborate on planning, assessment and teaching teams. This intensive fieldwork helps students connect theory and practice. Through coursework students build competencies in using alternative assessments, integrating instructional and assistive technologies, and meeting the social, communication and academic needs of students. Students also learn to regard individuals with disabilities as important sources of knowledge and planning, based on the perspectives of these individuals themselves.

This 30-43 credit program (depending on prior coursework) can accommodate either full-time or part-time students, although availability for student teaching/field placements during the day is necessary. Full time students may complete the program in 15 months, following a summer-fall-spring-summer sequence of courses. A liberal arts concentration and appropriate coursework in core academic areas are also required; students often enter with many of these courses already completed, and have the opportunity to complete remaining courses before, during, or after the graduate coursework.

The program, along with the liberal arts requirements listed below, meets the academic requirements for the New York State Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist teaching certificate. There are also application, testing and other requirements for certification. 

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Acquire knowledge of each student, and demonstrate knowledge of student development and learning to promote achievement for all students

2. Know the content they are responsible for teaching, and plan instruction that ensures growth and achievement for all students

3. Implement instruction that engages and challenges all students to meet or exceed the learning standards

4. Work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth

5. Use multiple measures to assess and document student growth, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and modify instruction

6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and engage relevant stakeholders to maximize student growth, development, and learning

7. Set informed goals and strive for continuous professional growth

M.S. in Inclusive Special Education (7-12) Generalist course requirements:


Culminating Experience


In addition, students must submit a peer reviewed Professional Teaching/Learning Portfolio for evaluation.

Total Credits Required: 30-43 depending on background


Liberal Arts Course requirements/Prerequisites:


The requirements of this program include several undergraduate liberal arts concentration and distribution courses, with no less than a C grade. It is not unusual that an applicant will have one or more of these courses left to take. These do not need to be completed before applying and may be taken at an institution other than Syracuse University. All must be finished before a degree can be granted. The program helps prospective students identify appropriate courses, and encourages interested students to have early contact about these.

Liberal Arts Concentration or Major


A liberal arts concentration or major of at least 30 semester hours, with 15 upper division credits, or equivalent, is required. The program does admit students with college majors in non-liberal arts areas. The transcript review process includes determining the best concentration area choice and how many additional courses students may need to take. If appropriate, concentration courses may also be used to meet the distribution course requirements listed below.

Distribution course requirements:


  • Writing
  • Literature
  • Mathematics (2 courses)
  • Natural Science with laboratory
  • Other Natural Science
  • Artistic Expression
  • History
  • Social Science other than History
  • Language other than English including American Sign Language (completion of high school Foreign Language Level 3 or higher may be substituted.)

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