Detailed Program Information

Foundations and Social Advocacy Department
Anne Burns Thomas, chair
Ji-Ryun Kim, graduate coordinator
Cornish Hall, Room 1213
607-753-2447

Overview

Develop the knowledge and skills of an effective  inclusive special educator by studying for the M.S.Ed. in Special Education: Inclusive Teaching and Advocacy (All Grades) at SUNY Cortland. Successful completion of the program leads to New York State Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades). 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Identify and apply knowledge of individual differences to provide meaningful, challenging and standards-based learning experiences for students in grades PK-12.
2. Conceptualize and create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments to support student learning in grades PK-12.                           
3. Use content knowledge to provide all learners access to and support progress within the general education curriculum in grades PK-12.    
4. Apply multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions for students in grades PK-12.   
5. Research, evaluate and implement current interventions and practices to support inclusive teaching and learning for all students in grades PK -12.           
6. Interrogate the social and cultural context of education to articulate the ethical principles that guide their practice and advocacy for students in grades PK-12.                   
7. Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of learners across a range of educational experiences.                                                                   

Program Highlights

With your bachelor’s degree in education, you can extend your capacities in disability justice-oriented praxis, differentiated and culturally responsive assessment, curriculum and instruction, and supporting students with significant cognitive, communication, physical or multiple disabilities.

As you collaborate with our dedicated professional faculty, you will explore topics such as strengths and asset-based behavior support, teaching diverse learners in inclusive environments, students with disabilities in context and foundations of education.

We offer a fully online program with accelerated and part-time program options.

Culminating Experiences

Students will complete a culminating experience consisting of a minimum of 50 hours of a supervised practicum and an action research project focused on issues relating to students with disabilities in educational settings. Please note, full-time teachers can complete the required hours in their school or within their district. 

Career Potential

The M.S.Ed. in Special Education: Inclusive Teaching and Advocacy (All Grades) from SUNY Cortland leads to New York certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades). This 30 credit online program enhances your professional credentials and prepares you for potential positions as a special or inclusive education teacher, chair of a committee on special education (CSE), developmental disabilities specialist, or community or college instructor.

Requirements for Special Education: Inclusive Teaching and Advocacy (All Grades)

Note: Students may choose a one-year accelerated program or a five semester part-time program. Students begin the one-year program with online coursework during the summer and then complete the program in May of the following year.

Candidates for the degree must meet any additional undergraduate or graduate requirements for the award of the degree established by the Foundations and Social Advocacy Department. Such additional requirements must be ascertained by the candidate in consultation with the department.

Specific information regarding requirements, such as state examinations, identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment, alcohol and drug abuse education, school violence prevention training and foreign language requirements for New York state teaching certification can be found in the Teacher Certification information section of the college catalog.

Required Coursework: 30 credit hours

• FSA 551 - Disability Justice and Advocacy (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 565 - Autism and Neurodiversity (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 580 - Foundations of Education: Identity, Schooling, and Society (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 585 - Communication & Educational Supports for Students with Significant Cognitive and Multiple Disabilities (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 605 - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 654 - Planning Access to the General Education Curriculum (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 655 - Individualized Assessment and Systematic Instruction (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 660 - Collaborative and Family Supports (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 680 - Culminating Experience – Teaching Students with Disabilities (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• LIT 525 - Discrete Literacy Instruction and Assessment (3 cr. hr.)

Required Workshops

• Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (CARR)
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
• Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE)

Accelerated One-Year Program- Example Course Schedule

Summer Session I

• FSA 551 - Disability Justice and Advocacy (3 cr. hr.)
• LIT 525 - Discrete Literacy Instruction and Assessment (3 cr. hr.)

Session Credits: 6

Fall Semester

• FSA 605 - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 654 - Planning Access to the General Education Curriculum (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 655 - Individualized Assessment and Systematic Instruction (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)

Semester Credits: 9

Spring Semester

• FSA 585 - Communication & Educational Supports for Students with Significant Cognitive and Multiple Disabilities (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 660 - Collaborative and Family Supports (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 680 - Culminating Experience – Teaching Students with Disabilities (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)

Semester Credits: 9

Summer Session II

• FSA 565 - Autism and Neurodiversity (PK-12) (3 cr. hr.)
• FSA 580 - Foundations of Education: Identity, Schooling, and Society (3 cr. hr.)

Session Credits: 6

Part-time Sequence

Expect completion in 5 semesters

Part-time students are expected to take two courses each semester. Course schedules for Fall and Summer entry students will be made available in orientation.