Educational Studies–Special Education (MA)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Educational Studies in Special Education (MAES-SPED) program at Trinity Western University equips educators to support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, collaboration, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. Graduates are prepared for careers as special education teachers, resource teachers, inclusion specialists, and other roles in inclusive education. The program also qualifies educators for specialist administrative roles and prepares them for PhD programs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Arts in Educational Studies in Special Education (MAES-SPED) program at Trinity Western University equips educators to support students with diverse inclusive education needs, including cognitive, social, and sensory uniqueness resulting from learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, giftedness, and developmental delays.

Objectives:

• Enhance educators' awareness of diverse student needs.
• Prepare educators to create inclusive classroom environments.
• Develop educators' expertise in inclusive education.
• Qualify educators for specialist administrative roles, such as directors of inclusive needs.
• Prepare educators for PhD programs (thesis track).
• Enhance educators' professional designations for salary scale increases.

Program Description:

The MAES-SPED program is designed to provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings. The program emphasizes the development of evidence-based practices, collaboration with families and other professionals, and the creation of inclusive learning environments.

Outline:

Content:

• Inclusive Education
• Special Education Law and Policy
• Assessment and Intervention
• Behavior Management
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Collaboration and Consultation

Structure:

• 2-year full-time or 4-year part-time program
• Mixed online and on-campus (summer) delivery method

Course Schedule:

• Courses are typically offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working professionals.
• The program includes a combination of core courses, elective courses, and a capstone project.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

Core Courses:

• Inclusive Education: Explores the principles and practices of inclusive education, including the history, legal framework, and ethical considerations.
• Special Education Law and Policy: Examines the legal and policy framework for special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Assessment and Intervention: Provides an overview of assessment and intervention strategies for students with disabilities, including functional behavioral assessments, curriculum-based assessments, and individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Behavior Management: Focuses on the principles and practices of behavior management, including positive behavior supports, functional analysis, and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Curriculum and Instruction: Explores evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities, including differentiated instruction, assistive technology, and universal design for learning (UDL).
• Collaboration and Consultation: Emphasizes the importance of collaboration and consultation with families, other professionals, and the community to support students with disabilities.

Elective Courses:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders, including diagnosis, assessment, and intervention strategies.
• Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Explores the characteristics, assessment, and intervention strategies for students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Gifted Education: Examines the identification, assessment, and programming for gifted and talented students.
• Developmental Disabilities: Provides an overview of developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.
• Assistive Technology: Explores the use of assistive technology to support students with disabilities, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, assistive listening devices, and computer-assisted instruction.

Capstone Project:

• Thesis Track: Students conduct original research on a topic related to special education.
• Non-Thesis Track: Students complete a portfolio of work that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in special education.

Assessment:

• Coursework: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, assignments, and presentations.
• Capstone Project: Students are assessed on their ability to conduct research or complete a portfolio of work that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in special education.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and case studies.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in special education.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes the development of reflective practice and the use of evidence-based practices.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Special Education Teacher
• Resource Teacher
• Inclusion Specialist
• Director of Inclusive Needs
• Educational Consultant
• Opportunities:
• Increased job opportunities in inclusive education settings
• Enhanced career advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for salary scale increases
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are prepared to effectively support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings.
• Graduates are qualified for specialist administrative roles in special education.
• Graduates are prepared for further study in PhD programs.