Master of Science in Education: Special Education, Moderate and Severe Disabilities
Description
The Simmons graduate program for Massachusetts state licensure in moderate disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) is designed to prepare teachers to provide direct service to learners in inclusive classrooms. Traditionally, learners with moderate disabilities have received educational services within resource rooms or substantially separate classes in 603 CMR approved public or private schools. The philosophy of all Simmons graduate programs in special education is grounded in the principles of inclusion – that all individuals can learn and that they have the right to do so in a classroom within their own community and with learners their own age. This program provides the skills and strategies to work with learners with moderate disabilities in a variety of settings.
The severe disabilities program provides preparation for initial licensure in teaching learners with severe disabilities (PreK-12). Coursework and related practicum experiences prepare teachers to work in a variety of settings, including special education classes in public schools, as well as private residential or day schools. Students are prepared to teach in all core general education curriculum areas, as well as communication, social behavior, job competency, and life skills.
Learning Outcomes
Simmons’s Master of Science in Education addresses the Massachusetts Department of Education’s standards for Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards for Teachers.
Requirements for entry into program
Must have a Bachelors of Art or a Bachelor’s of Science and MTEL score report or confirmation of registration for upcoming MTEL (Communication & Literacy or General Curriculum exam).
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred.
Delivery Modes Available
The program offers both full-time and part-time attendance options.
Degree Requirements
- M.S.Ed in Moderate Disabilities: 48 credits
- M.S.Ed in Severe Disabilities: 46 credits
- Non-licensure program: 40 credits
Moderate Special Needs (Pre K-8 or 5-12)
| SPND 446 | Learners with Special Needs | 4.00 |
| GEDUC 467 | Math for the Elementary Classroom | 4.00 |
| TESL 417 | Sheltered English Instruction | 4.00 |
| GEDUC 430 | Inclusive Lesson Planning | 2 |
| GEDUC 445 | Educational Psychology | 4.00 |
| GEDUC 464 | Reading & Language Arts for the Elementary Classroom | 4.00 |
| GEDUC 461 | Social Studies, Science & the Arts For the Elementary Classroom | 4.00 |
| SPND 441 | Classroom Management for Learners With Needs in Inclusive Settings | 4.00 |
| SPND 436 | Formal & Informal Assessment | 4.00 |
| SPND 420 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 2.00 |
| SPND 444 | Special Education Laws & Regulations For Teachers & Administrators | 2.00 |
| | OR | |
| SPND 445 | Individualized Education Program: Strategies for Development, Interpretation & Implementation | 2.00 |
| SPND 487 | Seminar | 2.00 |
| SPND 438 | Practicum: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) | 2.00 |
| | OR | |
| SPND 439 | Practicum: Moderate Disabilities (5-12) | 2.00 |
| SPND 488 | Seminar & Fieldwork in Education | 8.00 |
| | | |
| | | |
Severe Special Needs (All Levels)
| RDG 410 | Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading | 4.00 |
| SPND 467 | Practicum: Severe | 4.00 |
| SPND 415 | Applied Research I | 4.00 |
| SPND 420 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 2.00 |
| SPND 442 | Analysis of Behavior: Principles and Classroom Applications | 4.00 |
| SPND 444 | Special Education Laws & Regulations For Teachers & Administrators | 2.00 |
| SPND 445 | Individualized Education Program: Strategies for Development, Interpretation & Implementation | 2.00 |
| SPND 446 | Learners with Special Needs | 4.00 |
| SPND 447 | Assessment and Curriculum Modification And Development for Learners With Severe Disabilities | 4.00 |
| SPND 448 | Foundations of Transition Education & Services | 4.00 |
| GEDUC 430 | Inclusive Lesson Planning | 2 |
| TESL 417 | Sheltered English Instruction | 4.00 |
| SPND 467 | Practicum: Severe | 4.00 |
| SPND 487 | Seminar | 2.00 |
| SPND 468 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities (Levels: All) | 4.00 |
| SPND 488 | Seminar & Fieldwork in Education | 8.00 |
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
All students are assigned to a yearlong, full-time teaching practicum in a school setting. This extensive classroom experience allows students to develop the skills, competencies, and confidence for successful teaching, including strategies for inclusion, behavior management, social skill instruction, and modifying classroom instruction. Students also benefit from the supervision and mentorship of experienced practitioners and field supervisors — many of whom are Simmons alumni. In many cases, we have been able to assist student interns in securing paid internships or paraprofessional positions in the school or district where they complete their practicum hours.
We place students in a wide variety of schools and communities, including public school districts, charter schools, private institutions, and educational collaboratives.
Licensure, certification, etc.
Our MSEd programs in Special Education are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and lead to initial teaching licensure in the following fields and grade levels:
- Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Grades PreK-8 OR 5-12)
- Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All grade levels)
Teacher candidates prepared at Simmons may take advantage of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which allows teachers prepared through a Massachusetts approved program to earn an equivalent license in another state or the District of Columbia, pending completion of any state-specific prerequisites for the license.
Other program information
Simmons-trained teachers achieve exceptional job placement rates, and the demand for licensed special educators continues to grow. As reported in the annual U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Area list, Special Education is now identified as a high need area in every New England state and throughout much of the country.