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Oct 12, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Special Education: Moderate Disabilities with License (5-12), B.S.E.
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The Bachelor of Science in Education major with licensure and licensure only programs are designed to prepare outstanding teacher candidates at the Massachusetts initial licensure level. Students may choose to major in Education (with licensure) or choose the licensure-only program. These programs include Early Childhood Education (grades PreK-2), Elementary Education (grades 1-6), and Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (grades PreK-8 or grades 5-12). Specific Westfield State University courses are required for Education students to address state Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) requirements. All Education students must meet WSU Teacher Education program dispositions at a satisfactory level to complete the major.
Students who are not eligible to advance to practicum (student teaching) because of concerns related to their readiness to student teach, they have not reached the minimum overall GPA of 2.80 or the minimum GPA of 3.00 in the pedagogical sequence, or they have not passed all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), may complete their Education major by replacing the practicum requirement within their programs of study if dispositional standing merits remaining in the major. The replacement of practicum involves taking additional Education coursework or comparable courses under the advisement of the Chair of the Education Department. Students who do not complete practicum will not be endorsed for the licensure; however, they may graduate from WSU with their Education major.
Westfield State University’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
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Special Education
In general, the Special Educator holds expertise in designing and implementing educational, social, emotional, and vocational interventions, engaging in adapting and modifying curriculum material, analyzing and supporting positive behavior, and developing and implementing individual educational programs.
Massachusetts State Law requires that children with special needs be served within the least restrictive environment. The individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees an appropriate education and due process for individuals with disabilities. Regulations designed to implement these laws clearly state the need for special education teachers to provide services to children who exhibit a wide range of special needs at all grade levels.
Professional Special Education 5-12 Pedagogical Coursework
Education Required Subject Matter Knowledge Courses
The state of massachusetts has specific Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) competencies expected of Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education Majors. To address these needs, the following courses are required to meet these requirements.
Area of Focus
Elective coursework centered around an identified area of focus. Special Education majors must take 6 credits within their area of focus. Areas of focus are declared and monitored by the Education Advisor. (5-6 credits)
Total Major: 110-111 credits
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Return to: All Programs of Study
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