MA Special Education Extended Certification Online
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education (extended certification) is delivered in an online format.
This Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction (DPI)-approved program is designed for
licensed Wisconsin teachers who want to obtain a Cross-Categorical
Special Education (#801) certification. Certification may be earned at
either the Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence or Early Adolescence to
Adolescent level, and is tied to the Wisconsin Teacher Standards.
The program’s focus is to lead candidates to an understanding of
diversity and exceptionality, to an appreciation of the impact of a
disability on an individual and his/her family, as well as to
demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of student assessment,
instruction, and management. Integral aspects of the program are the
development of a professional portfolio and cross-categorical field
experiences, both of which are developmental, evolving throughout the
program.
These program components are designed to meet the Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction PI 34 requirements for teacher
licensure. The Wisconsin DPI requirements for certification and the
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards are the foundations of
the programs.
Candidates participate in developmental field experiences and will
demonstrate the content knowledge, pedagogy and dispositions to be a
successful teacher. In a culminating student teaching or practicum
experience, candidates will be expected to demonstrate learning
strategies, individualized instruction, assessment and data driven
instruction that leads to student learning.
After completing the 25 credits required for certification, students
will have the option to take two additional courses to complete the M.A.
in Special Education program. These courses can also be completed
online. During this coursework, candidates develop and present an action
research project based on research and best practices.