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Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All Levels)

Massachusetts Initial Licensure Program

Be prepared to make a difference. Become fully trained in the field of developmental disabilities.

Meeting the Need

This dynamic program trains professionals to work with students labeled autistic, mentally retarded, physically and multiply handicapped, and many other low-incidence disabilities. Learn:

  • Issues in special education and special education law
  • Nondiscriminatory assessment strategies and procedures
  • Curriculum and educational planning
  • Intervention and prevention in severe and challenging behaviors
  • New technologies
  • Collaboration with professionals, families, and community
  • Development of the IEP, or Individualized Educational Program
Program of Study and Course Descriptions for the Severe Disabilities M.Ed. program [PDF].

    Key program information:

    • The program consists of 36 credits: 10 courses and a 6-credit practicum.
    • Classes are held at Lesley’s Cambridge, MA, campus and at selected off-campus sites in a weekend model.
    • Prerequisite: specified developmental course or equivalent; at least one year of related experience is highly recommended.
    • Internship sites are also available.
    • The program can be completed in one and one half years of full time study, or two to two and a half years of part-time study.
    • The program meets new state regulations requiring all teachers receiving special education licensure to have training in Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

    SAMPLE PROGRAM COURSE

    ESPED 6119 Technology in Communication and Curriculum
    This course reviews the field of communication (verbal and augmentative), language development, and literacy for students with moderate and severely handicapping conditions. Connections between reading, writing, and communications are explored. Computer-assisted communication and instruction, adaptive devices, software, and dedicated communication devices are introduced. Instructional methods, designs, planning, and adaptations for students with a wide range of abilities and needs are implemented. This is a literacy/communication skills/social skills-based instructional methods and materials course for children with intensive special needs.
      

    Faculty Spotlight

    Staff Marybeth Curtis

    Mary E. Curtis
    Professor, Director, Center for Special Education

    Read Bio »
    Faculty Beverley Evans

    Beverley Cush Evans
    Associate Professor

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