MA in Leadership in Special Education - Exceptionalities
Special Education Department
Degrees offered
Master's
Campuses
Main Campus
Anne Arundel Community College
Eastern Shore Higher Education Center (ESHEC)
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC)
Anne Arundel Community College
Eastern Shore Higher Education Center (ESHEC)
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC)
The Master of Arts in Leadership in Special Education – Exceptionalities provides an advanced Program of Study for educational professionals who aspire to become supervisors or administrators with the commitment and skills to be effective instructional leaders in inclusive school environments. Through advanced study in leadership, pedagogy and literacy, the Program requires the student to develop essential competencies in these areas as they pertain to diverse learners.
Curriculum
Required Courses
EDU-543 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU-557 Leadership I Seminar (3)
EDU-567 Learning Theory and Practice (3)
EDU-569 Supervision: Empowering Teachers (3)
EDU-560 Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators (3)
EDU-556 Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU-563 Curriculum Development (3)
Elective Options (5)
SPE-518 Behavior is Language (3)
SPE-531 Autism and Asperger’s Disorders (3)
SPE-581 Evidence Based Practices to Support Students with Dysgraphia (3)
SPE-582 Evidence Based Practices to Support Students with Dyscalculia (3)
SPE-583 Evidence Based Practices to Support Students with Dyslexia (3)
SPE-650 Enhanced Structured Literacy Opportunities within the Learning Environment (3)
Courses
EDU-543 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research
Provides an interactive learning environment that will enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and abilities required for the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of educational research. In addition, the course will enable students to cultivate the skills necessary for engaging in their own creative and meaningful research. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-556 Technology for Instruction and Management
Introduces learners to technology as a tool for classroom instruction and management. Students will be given opportunities in planning, designing and producing projects that meet the instructional needs of students. The projects encompass skills in word processing, video, Web pages, multimedia and other technologies. Students examine online information services and the integration of technology into the curriculum and practice. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-557 Leadership Seminar I
Analyzes various models of leadership and explores societal and personal assumptions about leadership. Students investigate key elements of effective leadership and raise questions from several cultural viewpoints. Participants will be encouraged to integrate and apply diverse leadership perspectives in order to enhance their leadership abilities and strengthen their capacity to lead as educational professionals. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-560 Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators
Surveys the fundamental legal principles and issues which affect public and private education. They will become acquainted with the American legal process and basic legal terminology. Using the case study approach to contemporary education law, students will become familiar with the diversity of legal issues that affect educators' professional lives. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-563 Curriculum Development
Considers the forces driving quality curriculum development. This course examines how different groups, issues, ideologies and research have influenced what and how children have been taught historically. Attention will be focused on recent reform literature directed at schools and its likely impact on curriculum. Current political, economic, demographic and academic trends will be studied. The process for curriculum design will be examined and applied as students develop a sample guide using the class as a workshop group. The course concludes with an analysis of future curriculum needs and the role of educators in bringing about needed changes. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-567 Learning Theory and Practice
Evaluates theories of learning from cognitive, physiological and affective perspectives as a basis for effective instructional practice. Research into the theoretical basis for learning and higher level thinking skills is applied to educational planning, implementation, and evaluation. [ 3 credits ]
EDU-569 Supervision: Empowering Teachers
Examines the developmental supervisory approach for teachers and support staff. Key elements of effective supervision are investigated and applied to school situations through reading, exercises, and videos. Knowledge of adult learning, interpersonal skills, and alternative supervisory practices according to varying developmental levels are stressed. Empowerment can be a motivational tool and lead to increased performance. Thus, strategies for empowering teachers and support staff are included in this course as a key requirement for supervisors. [ 3 credits ]
SPE-518 Behavior Is Language
Gives the learner a new perspective on student behavior and effective tools to facilitate positive student change. It provides a developmental framework to help the learner understand what students are trying to communicate through the "language" of their behavior. Topics covered include behavioral techniques and intervention strategies that remediate disruptive behaviors, reduce power struggles while increasing classroom control, reduce educator workload, and help prevent burnout. After successfully completing this course, the educator and his/her students will be better equipped to find and implement creative, effective solutions to behavioral problems. [ 3 credits ] http://www.virtualeduc.com/cnd/
SPE-531 Autism and Asperger's Disorder
A self-paced or online course, designed to give you an understanding of the framework of and need for creating supportive learning environments for diverse learning populations. This course describes Autism and Asperger's Disorder, including characteristics of these disorders, associated learning styles, communication weaknesses, and various intervention strategies. The course helps the learner make sense out of why individuals with Autism spectrum disorders behave the way they do, and what you can do to enhance more appropriate behavior. This course also lists resources for educators, related service personnel, and parents who want more help or information on Autism and Asperger's Disorder. [ 3 credits ] NOTE: This course includes a final case study paper in addition to the assignments in the syllabus.