Special Education Graduate Program
FALL 2012
Signing Up Full Admission
UG GPA 2.5 Good standing on previous graduate work GPA 3.0 on first 6 hours (no grade below a B) Praxis I (reading writing and math) passing scores
Mrs. Lambert Says:
Don’t wait to take your Praxis tests You don’t want to be unable to register for your next semester
A Word About Test Scores
Your Praxis scores are checked twice Our program checks your scores for admission to the program The state checks your scores when you apply for a license If the cutoff changes before you apply for a license you will be held to the MOST RECENT cutoff
What Does This Mean? If the cutoff goes up- you may have to retake the test before applying for a license This DOES NOT apply if you already have a license This DOES NOT apply if you meet the new cutoff already
Why is This Important? Because the scores just went up Praxis Reading 172 Praxis Writing 173 Praxis Math 172
Making the grade
3.0 GPA overall B average on core courses (EPY 601, ELR 605) No more than 2 Cs, no Ds, no Fs CAUTION: All grades in graduate school count toward GPA, even if you retake and make a higher grade. So get it right the first time!! Classes can only be retaken once, so be very careful.
Dr. K says
All of the classes are online You must keep up in online classes If you feel yourself getting behind call for help The longer you wait the less likely it is you can fix things
Secrets of Success in an Online Degree Program
You must have access to a reliable computer and high speed Internet You can use libraries or campus labs, but consider availability and time limits Your computer must have capacity to do all tasks for each class Work with DSU IT 846-4444 or 866-2641465 (toll free)to troubleshoot your problems
Wimba: Opportunities and Expectations Opportunities
Live class meetings in your pajamas! All the snacks you provide for yourself Visual and auditory Time for questions and interactions Archived sessions you can revisit
Expectations
Other than under extraordinary circumstances, attendance is mandatory Notify instructor if you cannot attend Participation is expected If you cannot attend live you must view the archived session
A Word About Financial Aid
Rules for financial aid are mostly federal regulations; DSU has little discretion Dropping a class always has financial implications; check with student business services before you drop a class even if you do not receive financial aid If you register for classes but decide not to attend, officially withdraw before classes start so you will not incur financial penalties Financial aid will not pay for classes that are not on your program of study or for classes taken on non-degree status
Dr. Hartley says
You need to proactive about financial aid Ask questions Don’t make assumptions
Academic Advisement
You are expected to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester to plan your program and register for classes These meetings can be in person, on the phone, or by email Do not make changes to your schedule without prior approval from your advisor Do not ask for PIN numbers over phone or by e-mail other than in the context of an advisement meeting For program issues see Dr. Hartley, for personnel issues see Dr. Garrison 846-4370
The team says:
We believe in systematic academic advisement But you are an adult with adult responsibilities We try to find a balance of faculty guidance and candidate self advocacy
Achieving Your Goals Exiting the program
GPA 3.0 B average in core classes No more than 2 Cs, no Ds, no Fs PRAXIS I, PLT*, Specialty* (0354) Application for written comprehensive exams Application for graduation Internship (supervised) Program assessments
Seeking Licensure
Application online Conference with advisor about supplemental endorsements * Send an e copy of your PLT passing score and your Specialty 0354 passing score with sub scores to your advisor.
Eight Program Assessments (for details see assessment manual)
Praxis II Specialty Area (0354) Comprehensive Examination TWS: Special Education(Preplanning) TWS: Special Education (Postplanning)
Teacher Intern Assessment Instrument Special Education Professional Folio Individualized Education Case Study Special Education Assessment Folio
Other Assessments Required
Think About
PLT ( you must take ONE of the following)
Principles of Learning and Teaching: (must take ONE of the following)
Grades K–6 (0622 or 5622) Cutoff 160 Grades 5–9 (0623 or 5623) Cutoff 160 Grades 7–12 (0624 or 5624)Cutoff 157
221 license
Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (0511)
The license you receive after completing this program (221 license) only qualifies your to teach in inclusive settings.
This qualifies you to teach core subjects to students with disabilities (910 license)
Endorsement in Severe Disabilities
Requires just 3 more courses- CSP 648, CSP 583 and CSP 585