Edgewood College's Special Education License program prepares students to become licensed special education teachers in Wisconsin. The program emphasizes culturally-relevant and socially just pedagogy, meeting the needs of today's learners in inclusive classrooms. Graduates are highly qualified to work in various settings, including public schools, private schools, and community agencies. The program offers a strong community with individualized support and a unique opportunity to work with students with disabilities through the Cutting Edge program.

The program is designed for working professionals and offers a strong community with individualized support. The program emphasizes culturally-relevant and socially just pedagogy with restorative justice practices. It focuses on meeting the needs of today's learners in inclusive classrooms.

Objectives:

• Graduates will be prepared to obtain DPI certification and be placed in special education teaching positions.
• Graduates will be able to effectively teach students with a variety of disabilities in inclusive classroom settings.
• Graduates will be able to use culturally-relevant and socially just pedagogy to create inclusive learning environments.
• Graduates will be able to collaborate with families and other professionals to support students with disabilities.

Description:

The program consists of 27 credits of coursework and two semesters of student teaching. The coursework covers a variety of topics, including:

• Special education law and ethics
• Assessment and evaluation of students with disabilities
• Curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities
• Classroom management and behavior interventions
• Collaboration and communication with families and professionals
The program also includes a strong emphasis on field experiences. Students will have the opportunity to work with students with disabilities in a variety of settings, including schools, community agencies, and the Cutting Edge program at Edgewood College.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers a variety of topics related to special education, including:

• Disability and Marginality: This course explores the history and philosophy of special education, as well as the social and cultural factors that contribute to disability.
• Child and Adolescent Development: This course provides an overview of child and adolescent development, with a focus on the development of students with disabilities.
• Special Education Reading Literacy I & II: These courses focus on the development of reading and literacy skills in students with disabilities.
• Special Education Language and Communication Development: This course focuses on the development of language and communication skills in students with disabilities.
• SPED Assessment & Analysis: This course focuses on the assessment of students with disabilities.
• Intellectual, Emotional and Learning Disabilities: This course focuses on the characteristics of students with intellectual, emotional, and learning disabilities.
• Reflections in Teaching Practice: This course helps students to reflect on their teaching practice and develop their teaching skills.
• SPED Student Teaching: This course provides students with the opportunity to student teach in a special education classroom.

Program Structure:

The program is offered in a blended format, with some courses offered online and some offered on campus.

Individual Modules:

Each course in the program is a module. Each module has its own learning objectives, assessments, and teaching methods.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Field experiences

Assessment Criteria:

Students are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to special education.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lecture
• Discussion
• Group work
• Simulations
• Case studies
• Field experiences

Faculty:

The program faculty are experienced special educators with a variety of expertise.

Unique Approaches:

The program has a strong emphasis on culturally-relevant and socially just pedagogy. The program also includes a unique opportunity to work with students with disabilities through the Cutting Edge program.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in special education, including:

• Special education teacher
• Resource teacher
• Inclusion specialist
• Special education administrator
• Early intervention specialist
• Behavior specialist

Career Opportunities:

There is a high demand for special education teachers in Wisconsin. Graduates of the program are highly qualified to work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and community agencies.

Career Outcomes:

A recent analysis of graduates of the program found that 100% of the students who completed the program received DPI certification and were placed in special education teaching positions within one year of graduation.

Edgewood College Summary

Overview:

Edgewood College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Madison, Wisconsin. It emphasizes a strong sense of community and provides a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally. The college is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, who inspire a focus on creating an inclusive community where students can develop their intellect, spirit, and imagination.

Services Offered:

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edgewood College offers a vibrant campus community with over 20 student-led organizations. Students can expect to be surrounded by friends, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to their success. The college emphasizes a caring and inclusive environment where students can explore their passions and develop their leadership skills.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Supportive Community:

Edgewood College fosters a strong sense of community, providing students with a network of support from faculty, staff, and fellow students.

Engaging Academics:

The college offers a variety of academic programs with dedicated staff who work one-on-one with students to ensure their success.

Focus on Values:

Inspired by Dominican traditions, Edgewood College emphasizes the importance of serving others, embracing diversity, and engaging in a lifelong search for truth.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, student organizations, and social events.

Academic Programs:

Edgewood College offers over 80 academic programs across various disciplines. The college is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, business, and the arts.

Other:

Edgewood College is affiliated with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, a community of learners who value Catholic heritage and respect for other religious traditions. The college is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.