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.