Radford University
Department of Special Education
Graduate Information Booklet
College of Education and Human Development
Peters Hall C165
P.O. Box 7006
Radford University
(540) 831-6425
http://www.radford.edu\~edsp-web/
2004
Please refer to the Radford University Graduate Catalog for policies and procedures regarding graduate studies at Radford University. This is a supplement to that catalog.
GRADUATE ADVISORS
Advisor, High Incidence Disability Option (LD, ED, MR)
(540) 831-5783
Ms. Ellen Austin
(540) 831-5549
Dr. Jaye Harvey
Advisor, Early Childhood Special Ed.
(540) 831-5313
Positions in special education are in the top five areas of greatest need in education with demand for special education teachers to continue for at least the next decade. Recent employment figures for graduates from the RU special education program are at 100 percent.
MISSION STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
The mission of the Special Education Department at Radford University is to prepare professional educators who make meaningful contributions to the field as well as to their students, schools, and communities. The Department fulfills this mission through its commitment to excellence in teaching, its contributions to the profession, and its outreach services to schools and community.
Our purpose is to develop knowledgeable, thoughtful, caring, and skillful educators. The program emphasizes knowledge of content, learners, and theoretical foundations, as well as practical applications of best practice. The program culminates in the demonstration of professional competencies in field experiences. Graduates of our program are equipped to provide specially designed instruction and learning experiences that address academic, behavioral, and social needs at varied age levels. Our graduates have the skills to consult and collaborate effectively with other professionals and families to provide services for student with diverse learning needs.
PROGRAM COMPETENCY GOALS FOR STUDENTS
Ø Current research trends and legal issues in special education, including the use of computer and other technologies that facilitate learning outcomes of students with disabilities.
Ø Curriculum and methods in academics and remediation of academic deficits, functional skills, and embedded skill areas (e.g., social, communication, and study skills).
Ø Philosophy and principles of career/vocational preparation, transition programming, and social-leisure activities as applicable to individuals with disabilities.
Ø Strategies to adapt general education curriculum and methods to meet individual goals of students with disabilities.
Ø Characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
Ø Speech and language development, and the effects of disabilities and diverse cultural and home environments on language and communication development.
Ø Strategies for educational intervention relevant to particular disabilities and individual instructional needs.
Ø Development, selection, administration and interpretation of formal and informal assessment techniques and instruments to assess a students= education development (academic, cognitive, communicative, emotional, physical, vocational, and social), including an understanding of the pre-referral, referral, diagnostic assessment, and eligibility processes in special education.
Ø Individual and group management using a variety of techniques based upon behavioral, cognitive, affective, and ecological theories.
Ø Collaboration and consultation skills needed to coordinate and promote productive interaction between and among educators, parents, related services personnel, and community service agencies.
Ø Knowledge of professional organizations and the value of their activities and services.
Ø Professional, legal, ethical practices in school related matters, which are demonstrated during the practicum experiences.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES
The Dean of the College of Graduate and Extended Education grants admission to graduate programs, partially based upon the recommendation from the special education Graduate Coordinator. Application forms for admission can be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office gradcoll@edu/~gradcoll or application may also be made via the World Wide Web at: http://www.radford.edu/~gradcoll. See the Graduate Catalog for general admission requirements and, if interested acquiring teacher licensure through RU, additional requirements can be found in the Teacher Education section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Upon acceptance into the program, a Program of Study form will be completed by the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Special Education and mailed to the applicant. Once the student has reviewed and accepted the Program of Study, it must be signed and sent back to the Department of Special Education. A copy of the Program of Study will be sent to the Office of Graduate and Extended Education, the student, and the student’s advisor in the Special Education Department. The Program of Study form must be completed within the first 12 hours of course work.
RETENTION IN THE PROGRAM
Students must have a 3.0 GPA after nine semester hours in the program and the 3.0 average must be maintained. Students not having the necessary average will be dropped from the program and will not be allowed to take additional courses in Special Education.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION
During the first semester of enrollment, students in special education will demonstrate proficiency in written English as evaluated by the special education faculty. Students will be required to write an extemporaneous essay on a selected topic. The time allotted will be one hour; a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 600 words are required. This examination should be scheduled with your advisor. Students not passing the Proficiency Exam must meet with their advisor to determine course of action.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Students must complete a written comprehensive examination at least one month prior to completion of the classes on their Program of Study. A study guide will be available upon request. The written examination may include an oral follow-up examination. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the exam with his/her advisor and obtain the necessary form from the Graduate College Office prior to the examination. The student, in consultation with the adviser, can suggest the names of faculty to serve on the committee. A majority of the committee must recommend “satisfactory” in order for the student to pass. A candidate who fails the examination may request re-examination no earlier than the following semester. For more information, please consult the Graduate College Catalog.
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Students will be expected to demonstrate the following academic, personal and professional characteristics:
1. Academic performance that is congruent with excellence in professional teaching practice; effective oral and written communication skills; behavior that is congruent with the Code of Ethics of the National Education Association and the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Radford University Honor Code (see the Student Handbook)
2. Appropriate interpersonal skills (respect of others, acceptance of constructive criticism, acceptance of diversity, ability to maintain productive working relationships)
3. Professional characteristics evidenced by such things as cooperation with other professionals, responsiveness to the community, and the execution of professional duties
4. Demonstrated psychological well-being sufficient to interact positively and professionally with students and colleagues (e.g. self-confidence, enthusiasm, initiative, persistence, sound decision-making skills, and the ability to handle stress inherent in the teaching experience)
5. Demonstrated physical well-being sufficient to assume responsibilities of the field experience in a constant and stable manner
6. Appropriate self-awareness and self-confidence (e.g. the ability to self-evaluate, accept constructive criticism)
7. Appropriate professional conduct (e.g. reliability, dependability, social maturity, ability to handle stress, responsiveness to school policies, ability to work collaboratively with others, respecting worth and dignity of others, grooming and dressing appropriately)
8. The ability to function in direct practice from a professional educational knowledge base (e.g. applying knowledge of subject mater, of pedagogy, of human development).
OPTIONAL APPLICATION FOR TEACHER LICENSURE
If graduate students wish to obtain teaching licensure through the RU program, they must complete a practicum experience, and the following information must be provided to the Center for Advising and Licensure for applications to be processed:
1. Official copyies of transcripts for any courses taken at any institution other than RU. (The Graduate College will have an official copy, but another official copy needs to be provided to the Center for Advising and Licensure).
2. A check made out to Virginia Department of Education in the amount of $50 for in-state residents and $75 for out-of-state residents (mailing address on teacher licensure application determines the amount you must pay). A $25 fee is charged to students already licensed and adding an endorsement (these amounts are subject to change.)
3. Copies of PRAXIS scores not already on file with the Center for Advising and Licensure.
4. A copy of the log of practicum clock hours.
5. When completing the “experience” information on the second page of the application, write in full-time teaching experience only – block, student teaching, or practicum experience do not count and should not be listed.
Incomplete applications will be mailed to Richmond. The student will then have to work with the Department of Education to complete the application process – once applications are mailed to Richmond, RU is no longer responsible for nor involved in the process. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for the Department of Education to notify individuals. (An application for Virginia Teaching Licensure is included in Appendix A.)
Graduate Student Checklist
(See the university academic calendars for important dates each semester.)
q Submit graduate application to College of Education & Extended Education including the following:
1. GRE or MAT scores
2. Three completed reference forms
3. Final transcripts
4. GPA 2.75
5. Essay on long/short term goals
q Complete Program of Study signed by student and advisor:
1. Including any supporting or deficiency courses.
2. If applicable, date of change to Regular Status.
q Complete English Usage Examination within first 12 semester hours.
q File program change forms if changes made from original approved program
q If acquiring teacher licensure through the RU program, submit Application for Practicum to the Department of Special Education at least one semester in advance of the practica experience.
q Scheduled date of final comprehensive examination so it will be completed at least 4 weeks before the end of the semester. A study guide is available upon request.
q Notify the Graduate Studies Office of your scheduled examination date and request the Admission to the Comprehensive Examination form. You must have that form in hand when you arrive to take the examination.
q Apply for graduation two weeks after beginning of your final semester.
q If acquiring teacher licensure through RU, submit application for Virginia teaching license through the Center for Advising and Licensure. Be sure to include: practicum hours, official transcripts, and a check.