Students in Lesley’s Special Education major develop an expertise in assessment, curriculum design, and instructional techniques that cater to students with special needs.The program also develops the skills that lead to successful collaboration between special education and general education. Students complete a one-day practicum during the first and second year of the program of study. The senior year practicum is a semester-long experience at one level within a PreK-8 setting, in which the student serves those with special needs.
Education Specializations:
Students may pursue optional Education specializations which provide in-depth study in the teaching of a specific subject or population. Specializations are designed to enhance a student’ professional qualifications, but do not lead to additional teacher licenses.
- Early Care and Education
- Early Intervention
- Explorations in the Reggio Emilia Approach
- Mathematics Education
- Multicultural Education
- Reading
- Science
- Special Education
- Teaching English Language Learners
- Technology and Teaching
- Individually Designed Specializations
Featured Course
CSPED 2354 Special Education
This license-specific course draws on the foundations of education begun in the student’s first year and focuses on the role of the special education teacher in today’s inclusive educational settings. Students develop an understanding of the collaboration needed between special education and general education so that a successful inclusionary education can be offered to students with special learning needs. Emphasis will be placed on the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) regulated under state and federal law; assessment strategies addressing both personal and professional education concerns; the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; and skills in the design of curriculum and instructional approaches. These are the essential areas needed in order to make inclusionary education accessible for a range of individuals with moderate special learning needs.