Program Overview

All-Level Special Education Certification

Program Overview

The All-Level Special Education Certification program is a Graduate Academic Certificate (G.A.C.) designed to meet the demands of academic rigor and ongoing mentor support for individuals who view teaching special education as a calling.

Program Type

• Teaching Certification
• Graduate Academic Certificate

Format

• On Campus

Estimated Time to Complete

• 1-2 years

Credit Hours

• 24

Program Description

The program teaches educators to set high expectations for their students and to individualize curriculum and enhance instruction based on learner characteristics. Additionally, individuals must develop skills that will enable them to collaborate with parents and other professionals to enhance the lives of children and youth with disabilities across their life span.

Program Highlights

• The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
• The College of Education is one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors, and other school professionals.
• Increase your knowledge and skills in providing services to individuals with special needs.
• Learn strategies for analysis, intervention, and support for students with behaviors such as autism.
• UNT's College of Education is ranked 1st in the North Texas region among public graduate schools and 3rd among public graduate schools in Texas by U.S. News & World Report.
• Candidates who are accepted into our program are eligible to receive a Probationary Teaching Certificate and be employed as a special education teacher during the fall and spring semesters they are completing coursework.

Program Courses

• Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
  • Examinations of basic testing procedures and terminology as related to the exceptional learner.
  • Analysis of statistics used in test development and interpretation of test data.
  • Use of test data in developing individual education plans.
• Special Education Programs and Practices (3 hrs)
  • Presentation of special education roles, placement alternatives, legal implications, current status, and trends in special education.
  • Analysis of categories of exceptionality, characteristics, and terminology.
• Educational Aspects of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 hrs)
  • Examination of historical, theoretical, and learning of students with mild to moderate disabilities, including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders.
  • A life span view of intervention models, as well as curricular adaptations across content areas is explored.
• Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Reading and Language Arts for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
  • Educational strategies and interventions that promote academic performance of individuals with mild to moderate disabilities in English language arts and reading.
• Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Math and Content Area Subjects for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
  • Educational strategies and interventions that promote academic performance of individuals with mild to moderate disabilities in mathematics and in content areas across a variety of settings and situations.
• Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators, and Professionals (3 hrs)
  • Communication and collaboration models and strategies in working with parents, caregivers, and professionals concerned about exceptional learners.
  • Emphasis on the changing definition of families and changing demographics and the implications these changes have for effectively involving others in the decision-making for exceptional learners.
  • Analysis made of legal mandates and availability of resources to ensure quality services for exceptional learners.