Mar 28, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities Program (5-12), B.S.E.


Education


Chairperson
 
 
 
Nancy Murray      
       
Professor
Associate Professors
Assistant Professors
 
Anne Howard Felicia Farron-Davis Lyndsey Benharris  
  Nancy Murray William Cortezia  
  Joann Nichols Danette Day  
  Annette Sullivan Karen DeAngelis  
    Janna Heiligenstein  
    Ruth Joseph  
    Denise LaFrance  
    Laurie Link  
    Robert Shapiro  
    Scott Tyner  

The Education Department offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

Objectives for Programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education (Initial License)

The Education Department of Fitchburg State University fully recognizes and embraces the diversity and challenges that teachers face in today’s public and private schools. The comprehensive program of study is one which deliberately integrates and celebrates these challenges by providing an inclusive model for teacher preparation. Each course provides research-based methods to assess student needs in order to differentiate instruction. Techniques and strategies that address the needs of all learners in the inclusion classroom are emphasized. Courses have been specifically designed to provide teacher candidates with content and strategies to be knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and caring educators in the 21st century.
 

The Department prepares its graduates to be teachers of Early Childhood (PreK-2), Elementary (1-6), Middle School (5-8), Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) with Elementary Licensure, Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (5-12), and Severe Disabilities (all levels).

Program of Study

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education  majors graduate with two majors—one in Education and one in  Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIE).  See Interdisciplinary Studies Section for IDIE major requirements for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Special Education majors.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education majors are also required to complete an Interdisciplinary Studies minor.


Education majors place emphasis on college coursework that honors cultural, racial, linguistic, and social diversity.

Field-based experiences begin freshman year and are enhanced by strong departmental collaboration with exemplary schools and practitioners in the region. During their final year in the program teacher candidates enroll in a semester long professional experience. In the semester preceding practicum they participate in a minimum of a 125-hour or a 150-hour field-based experience that is linked to pedagogical courses. This allows candidates to readily apply what they are learning in the classroom setting. Many students enjoy opportunities to foster attitudes and skills for creative, collegial teaching in the diverse and changing environment of our McKay Arts Academy, an Innovation School on the University campus.

The Education Club, a student chapter of M.T.A., and the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society offer students the opportunity to grow professionally while meeting with students of similar interests.

Requirements for the Major in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

In addition to the two majors, the Speaking/Listening requirement is met through the Practicum or Student Teaching experience.

Computer Literacy and Jr/Sr Writing Requirements are met through SPED 4300  or IDIS 4000  

Special Education - Moderate Disabilities 5-12


This program embraces an inclusive philosophy that emphasizes the similarities of all children and young adults. The faculty believes that to work effectively with children who have disabilities, one must be able to work with all children. Also, special educators must work closely with general education teachers. Therefore the program offers pre-practicum and practicum experiences that incorporate students with disabilities into the general education classroom. This program prepares graduates to be teachers of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12) special education settings. Graduates of the program are eligible for a special education licensure. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure required for this program are Communication and Literacy, General Curriculum, Mathematics Subtest and Foundations of Reading or other content MTELs appropriate for license sought.

The plan of study is as follows (See course descriptions for pre-practicum hours required):

Total 49 credits


Liberal Arts and Sciences Requirements - total 48 credits