Department of Leadership and Teacher Education

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION

Chair: Dr. Harold Dodge (251) 380-2894

Professors: Ellis, Feldman, Shaw

Associate Professors: Bailey, Baxter, Campbell, Daughenbaugh, Dodge, Giles, Gray, Sachs, Santoli, Smith

Assistant Professors: Baggett, Green, Kent, Kinniburgh, McGowan, Romey, Tunks, Turnipseed, Westbrook

Emeritus Professors: Terry Cronis, Mary Beth Culp

Senior Instructor: Byrd

Instructors: Delmas, Kennedy, Simpson, Piper

Department of Leadership and Teacher Education web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/lted/

UNDERGRADUATE

The Department offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Education leading to Alabama Class B certification in the following areas: Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum General Studies (64 semester hours) For Elementary Education (K-6)

See College of Education General Studies Requirement.

Elementary/Early Childhood majors must take 12 semester hours in each of the following four disciplines: English language arts, mathematics (MA 110 or higher and MA 201), social science, and lab science (BLY 101 and two lab science courses representing two areas from BLY, CH, GY, PH, or GEO 101, GEO 102) with a grade of "C" or higher in each course.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K-6)

The program in Elementary Education is designed to prepare teachers for kindergarten through grade six. Satisfactory completion of the program and accompanying tests lead to a recommendation for a Class B Certificate in Elementary Education. Students may also qualify for a Class B Certificate in Early Childhood Education (P-3) through an additional internship placement.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (no grade below “C” in professional studies or teaching field)

In addition to General Studies, the requirements for a B.S. degree in Elementary Education are:

Professional Studies (28 semester hours)
Curriculum, Teaching, and Media	7 hrs
EEC 345, EEC 346; EDM 310

Educational Foundations	9 hrs
EDF 315 and EDF 211, EPY 251, and SPE 400

Evaluation of Teaching and Learning	3 hrs
EPY 455*

Internship	9 hrs
EEC 430*

Teaching Field/Curriculum Area (36 semester hours)

EEC 332*, EEC 335*, EEC 336*, EEC 337*,

RED 330**, RED 331*, RED 333*, AED 301, MUE 301,

PE 166, EEC 300

Choose one: HS 262 or HS 361

*Only for students admitted to teacher candidacy

**RED 330 must be taken prior to RED 331*

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

In addition to meeting the College of Education criteria for admission to student teaching, Elementary/Early Childhood majors must have satisfactorily completed: 12 hours in each of the following four disciplines: English language arts, mathematics, social sciences, and sciences with a grade of "C" or higher in each course.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO TEACHER CANDIDACY

In addition to meeting the College of Education criteria for admission to teacher candidacy, Elementary/Early Childhood majors must have satisfactorily completed: EEC 300: Classroom Management and 12 hours (as specified on the advising sheets or in PAWS) in each of the following four disciplines: English language arts, mathematics, social sciences, and sciences with a grade of "C" or higher in each course.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

The Department offers degree programs to prepare middle/high school teachers for grades 6-12.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum General Studies (64 semester hours)

For Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)

Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) Option

This option is designed to prepare students to teach in secondary level grades 6-12.

A. Professional Studies (37 semester hours minimum)

EDF 315, 211; EPY 251; SPE 400; EDM 310; EPY 455; SED 340, SED 341; RED 451; SED 342(1) and one of the following methods courses: SED 453, SED 454, SED 456, SED 457 and one of the following student teacher internships: SED 466, SED 467, SED 468, SED 469.

B. Teaching Fields

Students must select one Comprehensive Teaching Field. One third of the course work in each teaching field must be in the upper-division. All programs require a double major in secondary education and in an Arts & Sciences content field.

(1) English Language Arts

(Arts and Sciences - English Double Major with Education, 54 semester hours)

RED 352; DRA 110; CA 100; CA 220; EH elective (200 level or above, EH 370 recommended); CA or DRA or EH elective; EH 371, EH 401. Nine hours in EH 215 or EH 216 and EH 225 or EH 226 and EH 235 or EH 236; and one additional survey elective course: EH 215 or EH 216 or EH 225 or EH 226 or EH 235 or EH 236. The remaining coursework must come from the following areas (18 hours):

1.	At least one course in literature prior to 1660 (EH 310, EH 321, EH 322, EH 323, EH 324, EH 460, EH 461, EH 465, EH 467, EH 470, EH 471, or EH 472).
2.	At least one course in British or American literature from 1660-1900 (EH 331, EH 332, EH 334, EH 340, EH 342, EH 343, EH 351, EH 352, EH 353, EH 354, EH 462, EH 474, EH 475).
3.	At least one course in twentieth-century literature (EH 360, EH 361, EH 367, EH 368, EH 463, EH 468, EH 476, EH 478, or EH 479)
4.	One of the the following courses: EH 402, EH 421, or EH 422.
5.	At least two courses at the 400-level (exclusive of requirement #4, above) from the following courses: EH 403, EH 461, EH 477, EH 480, EH 481, EH 482, EH 483, EH 484, EH 485, EH 486, EH 487, EH 488, EH 490, EH 492, EH 494, EH 496, or EH 499).

Must include at least 36 semester hours of English courses (excluding EH 101 and EH 102), with a minimum of 19 semester hours of English coursework at the 300-400 level to include a minimum of three (3) courses at the 400-level -- at least 15 of these upper division hours MUST be taken at USA.

(2) Mathematics

(Arts and Sciences - Mathematics Double Major with Education, 45 semester hours)

ST 210 or ST 315, and ST 335; MA 311 (Fall), MA 320 (Fall), MA 321 (Spring), MA 410 (Fall), and MA 413 (Fall); one 3-hour elective from MA 300-499 level; and one 3-hour elective from MA 400-499 level; MA 125, MA 126, MA 227, MA 237, and MA 238. Must have a minimum of 19 semester hours of MA 300-400 level courses. At least 15 of these upper division hours must be taken at USA.

(3) General Science Composite

(Arts and Sciences - Biology Double Major with Education, 74 semester hours)

GEO 101 and GEO 101L, PH 101 and PH 101L, MA 115 and MA 115L, ST 210, BLY 121 and 121L and BLY 122 and 122L, CH 131 and 131L and CH 132 and 132L, CH 201, PH 114 and PH 114L, PH 115 and PH 115L, BLY 205, and twenty-five (25) hours from specified BLY 300-499 courses.

At least 15 of these upper division hours (6 hours at 400 levels and 9 hours at 300 or 400 level) MUST be taken at USA.

(4) Social Science Composite

(Arts and Sciences - Social Science Double Major with Education, 54 semester hours)

PSC 130, PSC 250 or PSC 270; ECO 300 or ECO 215 and ECO 216; GEO 114 or GEO 115; PSY 120; SY 109, or AN 100; HY 101, HY 102, HY 135 and HY 136; HY 103 or HY 104 or HY 362 or HY 366 or HY 367 or HY 368 or HY 461; HY 477 or HY 478 or HY 479; HY 432 or HY 433 or HY 434 or HY 435 or HY 436 or HY 437 and fifteen (15) hours of approved upper-division History electives. (Check with Department.) At least 15 of these upper division hours (6 hours at 400 levels and 9 hours at 300 or 400 level) MUST be taken at USA.

Certification options are also available for Secondary Chemistry, and Secondary Physics.

Please visit http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/coursesofstudy.shtml for specific requirements.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Department has two undergraduate Special Education Programs, each leading toward a Bachelor of Science Degree: Early Childhood Special Education and Collaborative Teaching.

The programs in Special Education are designed to prepare teachers to function in a variety of settings with birth-through-high-school-level students.

Students must obtain a minimum grade of “C” in each professional (block) course in the area of Special Education (i.e., 300-level or above courses which carry the SPE prefix.)

Non-majors seeking enrollment in courses should obtain permission from the department chair. Successful completion of the program and eligibility for the Bachelor of Science degree and/or teaching certificate necessitates that requirements of the Department, the College of Education, the University of South Alabama, the Alabama State Department of Education, and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education be met.

The Special Education programs place particular emphasis upon the student-advisor relationship. Each advisor has detailed information to aid the student’s progress and to ensure that the many and various requirements are met. Enrollments are limited in some courses. Students should consult with their advisor about the effect this may have on their planned course of study.

THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM

All Special Education undergraduate majors’ programs include a minimum of 128 semester hours. Differences in coursework exist within the teaching areas and advisors provide the specific course information for each student. Professional courses are organized into blocks which must be taken in a specified sequence. The professional “block” of courses begins once each year, in the Fall.

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

Students must apply in the College of Education Advising Center, for admission to teacher candidacy. Students must have satisfactorily completed 12 semester hours (as specified on the advising sheets or in PAWS) in each of the following disciplines: English language arts, mathematics, social sciences, and sciences with a grade of "C" or higher in each course, and EDF 315, EDF 211, EDM 310, SPE 400 and SPE 205. All previously listed requirements of the University and College must have been met also. Students must apply as early as possible preferably by the end of the sophomore year.

Minimum General Studies (64 semester hours)

See College of Education section or departmental advising sheets for general studies requirements.

Professional Studies (30 semester hours minimum)

To include: SPE 400; EDF 315, EDF 211; EPY 251; SPE 363.

Additional Professional Studies: SPE 202, SPE 203, SPE 205, SPE 410, SPE 495, SPE 496 or SPE 497; EDM 310.

Areas of Specialization (34 semester hours)
Collaborative Teaching

SPE 201, SPE 311, SPE 313, SPE 342, SPE 362, SPE 373, SPE 432, SPE 443, SPE 454, SPE 484; RED 451, and SHS 290. Collaborative Teaching majors must choose an internship at either the K-6 or 6-12 grade level.

Areas of Specialization (34 semester hours)
Early Childhood Special Education

SPE 201, SPE 311, SPE 313, SPE 342, SPE 362, SPE 373, SPE 432, SPE 433, SPE 454, SPE 484; RED 451, and SHS 290.

GRADUATE

The department offers the M.Ed. degree leading to Alabama Class A Certification in the following areas: Art Education, Instructional Leadership, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Reading Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

The department also offers the Instructional Specialist degree (Ed.S.) leading to Alabama Class AA Certification in the following areas: Instructional Leadership, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Instructional Leadership courses empower students for advancement in educational service. Leadership programs emphasize growth from the knowledge base through simulations to practical application and career mobility. This program offers two certification programs approved by the Alabama State Department of Education for educational administrators: a Class A Certification Program with a Master of Education degree, and a Class AA Certification Program with an Educational Specialist Degree.

Admission Requirements

Applications for graduate programs in Instructional Leadership are reviewed twice yearly for admission to the spring and summer semesters. Readmission to some programs in Education (i.e. Educational Administration, Doctoral Program, and some AA/Ed.S. Programs) require review by program faculty. Deadline for receipt of all application materials is October 2 and March 2.

In addition to the requirements listed in the College section of the bulletin, program specific requirements for admission to Instructional Leadership include:

1.		An admission portfolio is required. Applicants should follow a specific format for organizing their admissions portfolio. A copy of this format may be obtained by accessing "Admissions Requirements" at http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/edadmapgm.pdf.
2.		Successful Completion of a structured interview with Educational Leadership faculty members.

Admission decisions involve evaluation of the applicant's grade-point average, scores on the GRE, all materials in the admission portfolio, and structured interview. Program enrollment and availability will also be considered. The application, transcripts, test scores, and complete admissions portfolio must be received by the Office of Admissions, 2500 Meisler Hall, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688-0002 by October 2 and March 2.

Class A Certificate in Instructional Leadership and Master of Education Degree

Students entering this program must have a bachelor's degree and Alabama Class B Certification in a teaching field. Program requirements include:

1.	completing a minimum of 33 semester hours as outlined below with at least a 3.25 grade-point average, including a grade of "B" or "A" in all courses with EDL prefix,
2.	passing assessment modules with at least an 80% level of proficiency, and
3.	passing a written comprehensive examination.

The Class A Certificate is valid for 5 years and is renewable.

I.	Instructional Leadership Core
	(18 semester hours minimum) EDL 501, EDL 502, EDL 503, EDL 504, EDL 505, EDL 506
II.	Residency
	(six semester hours minimum) EDL 598 Residency
	Students must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam prior to enrolling in the Residency.
III.	Educational Foundations and Educational Psychology
	(six semester hours minimum)
	A.	Select One: EDF 501, EDF 515
	B.	Select One: EPY 502, EPY 521
IV.	Research (three semester hours minimum)
	IDE 510
	Students who have not completed a survey course of exceptionalities must take SPE 500. This is in addition to the 33 hour program.

Class AA Certificate in Instructional Leadership and Educational Specialist Degree for the Instructional Specialist

Students entering this program must have a Master’s Degree, Alabama Class A Certification in Educational Administration, and three years of successful teaching experience. Program requirements include completing a minimum of 33 semester hours as outlined below with at least 3.25 grade-point average and a grade of "B" or "A" in all courses with EDL prefix and passing a written comprehensive examination.

The Class AA Certificate is valid for five (5) years and is renewable.

I.	Core Courses
	(21 semester hours minimum) IDE 620, IDE 640, IDE 650, IDE 692, EPY 602, EDF 615, EDL 699
II.	Area of Certification
	(12 semester hours minimum) EDL 603, EDL 611, EDL 621, EDL 631, EDL 695 (req)

Refer to the College of Education general section of this Bulletin for other program requirements.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Early Childhood Education provides advanced study for teachers working with children three through eight years of age. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for the Class A Professional Early Childhood Education Certificate provided they already hold the Class B Professional Early Childhood Certificate.

Note: The appropriate course of study sheets and the assigned departmental advisor should be consulted in all program matters.

Comprehensive Examination

After completing 33 semester hours of course work, the student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination covering all areas of the student’s program. Application forms for the comprehensive examination are available online at http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/compsapp.pdf.

Thesis

A student may elect to write a thesis as part of the program. If the student decides to write a thesis, a thesis committee will be appointed to work with the student and to evaluate the thesis. (IDE 510 and IDE 620 are required.)

Program

The program for the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is as follows: 33 minimum hours required (24 must be on the 500 level)

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)
EEC 553, EEC 554

Educational Foundations (six semester hours)
EDF 515, EPY 502

Research & Evaluation (three semester hours)**
IDE 510

Technology (three semester hours)
EDM 510

Teaching Field (15 semester hours)
Select one: EEC 535, EEC 536, EEC 537
Select one: RED 530, RED 531, RED 545
Electives: (9 semester hours)
Advisor approved 500 level courses

All certification programs require an introductory special education course SPE 500, if not completed at the undergraduate level. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement.

**Students who have previously not completed an evaluation course will be required to complete an approved evaluation course in addition to IDE 510.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Elementary Education provides advanced study for teachers working with children six through eleven years of age. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for the Class A Professional Elementary Education Certificate provided they already hold a Class B Professional Elementary Education Certificate.

Note: The appropriate course of study sheets and the assigned department advisor should be consulted in all program matters.

Comprehensive Examination

After completing 33 semester hours of course work, the student must complete successfully a comprehensive examination covering all areas of the student’s program. Application forms for the comprehensive examination are available online at http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/forms/compsapp.pdf.

Thesis

Program

The program for the M.Ed. in Elementary Education is the following: 33 minimum hours required (24 must be on 500 level).

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)
EEC 522, EEC 523

Educational Foundations (six semester hours)
EDF 515, EPY 502

Research & Evaluation (three semester hours)**
IDE 510*
IDE 620 (Thesis Option Only with IDE 510)

Technology (three semester hours)
EDM 510

Teaching Field (15 semester hours)
Select one: EEC 532, EEC 535, EEC 536, EEC 537
Select one: RED 530, RED 531, RED 545
Electives: (9 semester hours)
Advisor approved 500 level courses

All certification programs require an introductory special education course SPE 500, if not completed at the undergraduate level. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement.

**Students who have not previously completed an evaluation course will be required to complete an approved evaluation course in addition to IDE 510.

ALTERNATIVE M.Ed. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
ALTERNATIVE M.Ed. IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

In general, the program requires a minimum of 42 graduate hours and such additional undergraduate courses or experiences as the Department may require. An advising sheet is available upon request from the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education, College of Education. See College of Education general section for program admission requirements.

All prerequisites including those listed below are required for admission to the program. Equivalent courses or experiences may be substituted with written approval of the advisor and department chair. See College section of Bulletin for admission requirements. Successful completion of the Alabama Prospective Teachers Test (APTT) is required for admission.

Prerequisites

RED 330, RED 333, MA 201
Other courses as the Program may require.

In addition to the above prerequisites, students must also have completed 12 hours in English language arts, mathematics, social sciences, and sciences at the undergraduate level.

Program

The program for the Alternative M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education is as follows: 42 minimum graduate hours requires (30 must be 500 level).

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)
EEC 522* (Elem), EEC 553* (ECE), EEC 523* (Both)

Educational Foundations (six semester hours)
EDF 515 and EPY 502

Research and Evaluation (three semester hours)
EPY 525

Technology (three semester hours)
EDM 510

Teaching Field (15 semester hours)
EEC 532, EEC 535, EEC 537*, RED 531. Choose 3 hours from the following: AED, EEC, RED

Field Experience (three semester hours)
EEC 557

Clinical Field Experience (six semester hours)
EEC 595

(Supervised practice in a school setting in the student’s teaching field. The student will work full time in the school for an entire semester). SPE 500 required if not previously taken and is in addition to the 42 hours.

MASTER'S DEGREE IN READING EDUCATION

1. Admission. Requirements for admission to the Class A Reading Specialist program shall include:

	a. At least baccalaureate-level professional educator certification in any area of education;
	b. Two years of successful classroom teaching experience; and
	c. Certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Collaborative Teacher (K-6 or 6-12), or Secondary Education (Language Arts)
	d. Completion of two reading courses including an introduction to reading course.

* All certification programs require an introductory special education SPE 500, if not completed at the undergraduate level. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement.

2. Program Requirements.

Curriculum and Teaching (three semester hours)
EEC 522 or SED 552
EEC 522 (taken by those with an undergraduate secondary certificate)
SED 552 (taken by those with an undergraduate elementary certificate)

Foundations of Education ( six semester hours)
EDF 515, EPY 502

Research and Evaluation (three semester hours)
IDE 510

Teaching Field (18 semester hours)
EEC 532, RED 531, RED 533, RED 534, RED 541, RED 545

Internship (three semester hours)
RED 595

PROGRAMS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

M.Ed. programs are designed to enhance and extend the knowledge and qualifications of secondary teachers. See College of Education general section for program admission requirements.

Programs in Secondary Education (33 semester hours)

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)
SED 552
Specific Course for certificate area:
Language Arts
SED 561
Mathematics
SED 563
Science Programs
SED 564
Social Science Programs
SED 562

Foundations of Education (six semester hours)
EPY 502, EDF 515

Research and Evaluation (six semester hours)
IDE 510
(Prerequisite: EPY 455 or equivalent)
SED 560

Teaching Field (12 semester hours)
Courses selected with advisor approval from student’s teaching field.

Language Arts: Courses selected from at least two of these fields with advisor approval: english, speech, communication, drama, and reading.

Mathematics: Courses selected with advisor approval from Mathematics.

Science Programs: Science Composite; Courses selected from at least two of these fields with advisor approval: biology, chemistry, geology, physics.

Social Science Programs: Social Science Composite: Courses selected from at least two of these fields with advisor approval: economics, geography, history, political science, psychology and sociology.

Technology (three semester hours)

EDM 510

Certification options are also available for Art Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Please visit http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/coursesofstudy.shtml for specific requirements.

* All certification programs require an introductory special education course SPE 500, if not completed at the undergraduate level. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement.

ALTERNATIVE M.Ed. IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

This program is designed to provide initial teacher preparation at the graduate level primarily for students interested in pursuing a career in teaching but whose undergraduate degree did not include a teacher education program. See College of Education general section for program admission requirements.

High School Option (45 semester hours)

Curriculum and Teaching (nine semester hours)
SED 555, SED 559
Appropriate methods course for the teaching specialization.

Foundations of Education (six semester hours)
EDF 515, EPY 502

Evaluation (three semester hours)
EPY 525

Reading (three semester hours)
RED 541

Technology (three semester hours)
EDM 510

Teaching Field (15 semester hours)
Selected from approved electives in the student’s teaching field. These fields are presently available in this program:
Art Education
Language Arts Composite
English for Speakers of Other Languages
General Science Composite
Mathematics
Social Science Composite
French
German
Spanish

Internship (six semester hours)
AED 595 (Art Education), ELT 595 (ESOL), SED 595 (Language Arts), SED 593 (Foreign Language), SED 598 (Math), SED 597 (Science), SED 596 (Social Science)
Supervised practice in a school setting in the student’s teaching field. The student will work full time in the school for an entire semester.

Each comprehensive teaching field of English language arts, general science, and general social science shall ensure that the candidate has completed at least one course in each of the areas of the comprehensive field in addition to the area on concentration.

Successful completion of PRAXIS II test appropriate to the teaching field and grade level of certification sought is required PRIOR to enrollment in internship.

You must take a comprehensive end of program examination during the semester you complete your internship.

Certification options are also available for Art Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Please visit http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/coursesofstudy.shtml for specific requirements.

SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADUATE

The graduate program in Special Education prepares individuals with or without special education backgrounds to work with exceptional children and youth. Students seeking Alabama Class A Professional Certification may select programs of study in the areas of Collaborative Teaching, Early Childhood Special Education, and Gifted provided they already have certification in any area of education.

Post-master’s or Sixth-Year Graduate Programs which lead to an Instructional Specialist Degree are available, and for qualified individuals, an Alabama Professional Certificate at the AA level.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Students should be aware that the Special Education Program requires that certain courses be taken in sequence. Advisors should be consulted to obtain information about sequencing and prerequisite course work.

A committee consisting of graduate faculty members within the program will be selected by program advisors to assist in planning students’ courses of study. Such planned programs should be approved before the completion of nine semester hours of work. Planned programs will also indicate prerequisite courses. Failure to follow the advised planned program of study could result in the student being blocked from registration.

The Special Education Program requires that students who receive a grade of “C” on courses in Special Education, must repeat that course and attain a grade of "B" or better.

Satisfactory performance in all course work (GPA of 3.0 or greater) is required of all graduate Special Education majors; in the event of unsatisfactory performance (below "C") in a course not in their major area, a student’s Graduate Program Committee selects the option of repeating the course and demonstrating satisfactory performance or demonstrating satisfactory performance in an approved alternate course.

Students may be permitted to do their internship/practicum during one of their two final semesters in residence. This is a joint decision between student and advisor.

Students are assigned to advisors in their respective program areas. No faculty member other than the assigned advisor may advise Special Education students.

The student has the sole responsibility for initiating applications and meeting test and other deadline requirements.

WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination is required of all graduate students prior to the completion of their program. The exam is taken during or after the final course work is complete.

MASTER OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

The requirements for the Master of Education include a minimum of 33 semester hours in the program specialization. All graduate majors will have a graduate program committee plan the individual program of study based upon the student's training, experience and needs.

Those students seeking teacher certification must complete one of the program areas detailed as follows:

PROGRAM FOR COLLABORATIVE TEACHING, K-6 or 6-12

For students with a valid Class "B" certificate in an area of Special Education. The 33 semester hour minimum program for the M.Ed. in the area of Collaborative Teaching includes:

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)

SPE 512, SPE 516

Educational Foundations (three* semester hours)

Select One:
EPY 502, EPY 521

Technology (three semester hours)

EDM 510

Research and Evaluation (three semester hours)

IDE 510 Educational Research and Evaluation

Teaching Field (eighteen semester hours)

SPE 515, SPE 591, SPE 592
K-6 majors take EEC 523, SPE 505, and Internship (SPE 595, or advisor approved elective if student has current Class "B" certificate in Collaborative K-6).
6-12 majors take SED 552 and SED 561 or SED 562 or SED 563 or SED 564 or SPE 505, and internship (SPE 596 or advisor approved elective if student has current Class "B" certificate in Collaborative 6-12).

* All certification programs require an introductory special education course SPE 510, if not completed within seven (7) years of entry to the master's program. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement. Students seeking certification in both K-6 and 6-12 must complete an internship for each.

PROGRAM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION

For students with a valid Class "B" certificate in Early Childhood Special Education. The 33 semester hour minimum program for the M.Ed. in the area of Early Childhood SPE:

Curriculum and Teaching (six semester hours)

SPE 512, SPE 516

Educational Foundations (three semester hours)

EPY 502

Technology (three semester hours)

EDM 510

Research and Evaluation (three semester hours)

IDE 510

Teaching Field (eighteen semester hours)

SPE 505, SPE 515, SPE 534, SPE 535, SPE 591, SPE 592

PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS OF THE GIFTED

The 33 semester hour minimum program for the M.Ed. in the teaching of the gifted and talented includes:

Curriculum and Teaching (three semester hours)

SPE 523

Educational Foundations (six-nine semester hrs)

*SPE 500

Select One:

EDF 501, EDF 515

Select One:

EPY 502, EPY 521

Technology (three semester hours)

EDM 510

Research and Evaluation (three semester hours)

IDE 510

Teaching Field (nine semester hours)

SPE 521, SPE 522, SPE 524

Internship (three semester hours)
SPE 598, completion of the SPE Gifted courses required prior to enrollment in the internship.

Electives (six semester hours)

Guided electives to be selected with advisor approval.

Suggested courses include (on campus) SPE 511, SPE 514, SPE 515, SPE 518, SPE 591 (online), CED 584, EEC 577.

* All certification programs require an introductory special education course SPE 500, if not completed within seven (7) years of entry to the master's program. This is in addition to the 33 semester hour requirement.

ALTERNATIVE M.Ed. IN COLLABORATIVE TEACHING

This is a special alternative program for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in non-teacher education fields and individuals without a Class "B" certification in an area of Special Education. In general the program requires a minimum of 42 graduate hours. The State of Alabama requires that individuals seeking admission to the Alternative Master's program in Special Education have at least 12 semester hours in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences. See College of Education general section for program admission requirements.

All prerequisites must be completed prior to admission to the program. See College section of Bulletin for admission requirements.

Foundation Requirements (fifteen semester hours)

EDM 510, EPY 502, EPY 525, EDF 515, RED 531

Teaching Field (24 semester hours)

SPE 589, SPE 510, SPE 512, SPE 514, SPE 515, SPE 516, SPE 591, SPE 592

Internship (three semester hours)

SPE 596 for 6-12 majors or SPE 595 for K-6 majors (Students must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II prior to enrollment in the internship).

ALTERNATIVE M.Ed. IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION

This is a special alternative program for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in non-teacher education fields and for individuals without Class "B" certification in Early Childhood Special Education. In general, the program requires a minimum of 42 graduate hours. The State of Alabama requires that individuals seeking admission to the Alternative Master's in Special Education have at least 12 semester hours in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences.

All prerequisites are required prior to admission to the program. See College section of Bulletin for admission requirements.

Foundations Requirements (fifteen semester hours)

EDM 510, EPY 502, EPY 525, EDF 515, RED 531

Teaching Field Bulletin (24 semester hours)

SPE 532 , SPE 533, SPE 589, SPE 510, SPE 515

SPE 535 or SPE 514, SPE 591, SPE 592

Internship (three semester hours)

SPE 597 (Students must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II prior to enrollment in the internship).

NOTE: We require all graduate students in Special Education (who are not already certified in their field of study) to observe a classroom or setting which is a model of good teaching practice in their proposed field of certification. Students are to make a total of four (4) full-day observations before the internship.

ADVANCED GRADUATE STUDY: SIXTH-YEAR (POST-MASTER’S) PROGRAMS
(Ed.S. and Class AA Certification)

Post-Master’s or Sixth-Year Graduate Programs which lead to an Instructional Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree and/or AA (State of Alabama) Professional Certification are available for qualified individuals.

In addition to college requirements previously stated, students seeking certification will have a graduate program committee plan a program based upon the student’s training, experience and needs. This committee will determine if any prerequisite courses are needed.

Core Courses required for the Instructional Specialist program include, IDE 620, IDE 640, IDE 650, IDE 692, EPY 602, EDF 615 and Departmental 699.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Teaching Field (12 semester hour minimum)

EEC 601, EEC 610, EEC 622, Advisor approved elective.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

Teaching Field (12 semester hour minimum) in a field listed below:

English language arts, mathematics, science, or social science.

COLLABORATIVE TEACHING

Teaching Field (12 semester hour minimum)

Course work to be approved by student’s graduate program committee.

SPE 510 is taken only if the student has not had a recent equivalent. The course then becomes an added course to the program.

DESCRIPTIONS OF LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES:

DESCRIPTION OF ALL ART EDUCATION (AED) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS (EDF) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP (EDL) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL ELEMENTARY/EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC (EEC) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (ELT) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL READING EDUCATION (RED) COURSES

DESCRIPTION OF ALL SECONDARY EDUCATION (SED) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL SPECIAL EDUCATION (SPE) COURSES

College of Education