Special Education, Guided Studies, Dyslexia Specialist, M.Ed.

Graduate Chair

Anne Howard, PhD

Graduate Curriculum Committee

Lyndsey Benharris, PhD
Danette Day, EdD
Robert Shapiro, PhD, BCBA-D
Annette Sullivan, EdD

Program Description

The Special Education Guided Studies, Dyslexia Specialist, will meet the needs of individuals  who are seeking a Master’s degree as well as Wilson Language Training® Level I and Level II certification.  This program is not designed for students seeking a teaching license. Students complete four core courses, including a capstone course on implementation of best practices, and 27 credits in three goal areas. In this Dyslexia Specialist Concentration, individuals will complete 9 courses/27 credits with content meeting the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading set forth by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Three courses are associated with Wilson Reading Level I Certification, three courses are associated with Wilson Reading Level II Certification, and the three courses in the Foundations of Literacy goal area have been selected to meet IDA standards.

Fitchburg State University intends to seek accreditation through the IDA as an accredited program. Graduates of IDA accredited programs will be eligible to sit for the IDA exam and received Dyslexia Specialist IDA certification.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Special Education, Guided Studies, Dyslexia Specialist M.Ed. program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admission section, as well as:

• Official transcripts of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Personal Statement
• Note: MAT/GRE exams are not required

Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:

1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.

• Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
• What did you do in that particular situation?
• How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
• How do you feel about the situation now?
• What would you change, if anything?

Program of Study