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Special Education (Ed.S.)
Degree Requirements
Available at the Macon campus

The Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program offered in Special Education provides advanced study for qualified master educators. The degree will be broadly focused on special education with issues related to the education of students with disabilities while providing extensive opportunities for each student to concentrate study and conduct research within their specific area of interest such as learning disabilities and reading, student involvement in Individualized Educational Program (IEP) planning, and behavioral self-management.

Objectives: The primary objective of the program is for students to develop skills that facilitate their action as change agents in educational settings serving individuals with disabilities. Through sequenced coursework and assessments, students will gain skills and knowledge in designing and implementing research-based programs in field-based settings. Graduates of the program will possess the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their schools and to positively impact school and system practices.

Format: The program format will be a cohort approach guiding a group of students through sequenced classes that progressively build capacities. The program will require students to conduct research in an education related setting with individuals with disabilities. Thus, students must either be employed in a setting with individuals with disabilities or have immediate access to such a setting. Although classes will make use of web-based instructional tools, 8 of the 9 courses will involve regularly scheduled class meetings on five Saturdays per semester. The cohort model and regular meetings will be used to encourage peer collaboration and communication as a channel for professional growth and development. The cohort learning community will be used to foster professional skills and knowledge necessary for initiating systems change in field-based settings. The program integrates GCSU's Graduate Programs' emphasis on applied research skills and professional development with the institutional focus on learning communities.

New cohorts begin in the fall semester.

Prerequisites
1) Pass an on-site writing assessment
2) Meet minimal Grade Point Average of 3.25
3) Hold or be eligible for a clear renewable, level five (5) State of Georgia Certification in General Special Education
4) Satisfactory completion of interview by faculty admissions committee
5) Verify two years teaching experience
6) Degree in special education at undergraduate or graduate level or completion of state approved training/preparation program in special education

Course Requirements

Semester I (Fall)
EDEX 7110 - Trends and Issues in Special Education
EDEX 7120 - Critique of Special Education Literature
 
Semester II (Spring)
EDEX 7210 - Research Methods
EDEX 7220 - Synthesis of Research Literature in Special Education
 
Semester III (Summer)
EDEX 7310 - Research Design
EDEX 7320 - Directed Readings
 
Semester IV (Fall)
EDEX 7410 - Research Implementation
EDEX 7420 - Leadership in Collaborative Learning Communities
 
Semester V (Spring)
EDEX 7510 - Program Applications

Semester VI (Summer, optional)
EDEX 7610 - Specialist Competencies

Certification
Students successfully completing this program may apply through their school board or directly to the Professional Standards Commission for certification at the T-6 level. GCSU is not involved in this process.

For admissions questions:
Shanda Brand, Graduate Admission Coordinator
CBX 70; 220 Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 445-1383
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 1383

For program questions:
Dr. Craig Smith, Chairperson, craig.smith@gcsu.edu
CBX 72, 101C Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-4577
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 4577

Dr. Amy Childre, Program Coordinator, amy.childre@gcsu.edu
CBX 72, 106 Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-0506
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 0506

See the complete list of programs.

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