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Certificate in Moderate Special Needs
About the Program
"The quality of instruction and the flexibility of the schedule in the Simmons moderate disabilities program gave me the opportunity to change careers and pursue my passion for teaching. The combination of in class learning and practical experience allowed me to develop the skills and competencies necessary to become a confident and successful teacher."
— Michele Figueira '07GS
M.S.Ed. in Moderate Disabilities
Developed for general education teachers with initial or professional licensure in elementary, middle, or high school education, this innovative program consists of the coursework necessary for an add-on license in Moderate Special Education. Candidates for this program must have a current license in the area of general education. The program is 18 credits including a practicum and practicum seminar offered in the spring semester. All students enrolled in the program must develop a plan of study and review program requirements with an advisor.
About the Department
This 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. 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.
Coursework
SPND 436 Formal and Informal Assessment 4 credits
OR
RDG 432 Reading Assessment 4 credits
SPND 444 Special Education Law 2 credits
SPND 445 IEP Process 2 credits
SPND 446 Learners with Special Needs 4 credits
SPND 420 Introduction to Assistive Technology 2 credits
Spring Semester Only
SPND 438 Teaching Practicum (PreK-8) 2 credits
OR
SPND 439 Teaching Practicum (5-12) 2 credits
SPND 488 Teaching Seminar 2 credits
Students will enroll in a two-credit practicum, with a minimum of 150 hours in an educational setting with learners with moderate special needs. They will be supervised three times by a Simmons supervisor.
