Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Reading, and Special Education

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The major goal of the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Reading, and Special Education is to prepare education professionals as facilitators of learning by providing quality degree programs. The graduate offerings include the M.Ed in Elementary Education (K-6), M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education (6-9) with a specialty in Math, Reading, or Science, M.Ed. in Reading Education (K-12), and M.Ed. in Special Education (K-12). An initial “A” level license is also available through our M.A.T. in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Grades Education (6-9), and Special Education (K-12). Class A licensure programs in elementary education, middle grades, reading, and birth-kindergarten education are also available. All programs in the department are approved by NCATE and accredited by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction.

Candidates for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, Middle Grades, Reading Education, and Special Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education, Middle Grades, and Special Education will complete an Advanced Leadership and Collaboration Project evidence to demonstrate their competence in the North Carolina Graduate Standards and Indicators during their respective culminating course (EDUC 698, READ 698 , or SPED 698). Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of Proficient (score of 3.0) on each indicator of the scoring rubric to receive course credit and recommendation for advanced licensure.

Suspension of Programs

At this time, the College of Education is suspending graduate admissions to the M.Ed. in Special Education.

Learning Outcomes for M.Ed. in Reading Education and Elementary Education

1. The candidates will possess a deep understanding of the critical concepts and content of their discipline.
2. The candidates will know how to implement pedagogical strategies based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study State Standards as required by the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and aligned with CAEP and INTASC Standards.
3. The candidates will design, implement and report research projects conducted in their classroom/school which integrate research with teaching and service.
4. The candidates will utilize technology to enhance instruction, learning, research, assessment and data management.
5. The candidates will promote an educational culture that values reflective practice.
6. The candidates will demonstrate the value of diversity and promote instruction that is responsive to all learner needs.
7. The candidates will demonstrate leadership skills and professional ethical practices to advocate for students, communities, policies, and practices that support student learning and development.

Learning Outcomes for the Class A Level Licensure in B-K and Elementary Education

1. Teacher candidates will know their content based on the Common Core (Math and Language Arts K-5), the Essential Standards for all content areas, and CAEP.
2. Teacher candidates will know how to teach based on the Common Core (Math and Language Arts K-5), the Essential Standards for all content areas, and CAEP.
3. Teacher candidates will implement practices that reflect the cognitive, mental, and physical development of P-6 students.
4. Teacher candidates will know how to utilize technology to enhance instruction, learning, research, assessment, and data management.
5. Teacher candidates will demonstrate leadership skills through the establishment of a safe, orderly, and positive environment.
6. Teacher candidates will provide appropriate accommodations and implement teaching strategies for diverse learners.
7. Teacher candidates will integrate 21st century knowledge and skills in instruction.
8. Teacher candidates will be able to communicate effectively and be reflective practitioners.

Learning Outcomes: Middle Grades Programs

1. The candidates will possess in-depth content knowledge to enhance 21st century skills in the specialty area that they teach.
2. The candidates will know how to implement pedagogical strategies based on the Common Core State Standards, NC Essential Standards and CAEP.
3. The candidates will design, implement and report research projects conducted in their classroom/school which integrates research with teaching and service.
4. The candidates will utilize technology to enhance instruction, learning, research, assessment and data management.
5. The candidates will promote an educational culture that values reflective practice.
6. The candidates will demonstrate the value of diversity and promote instruction that is responsive to all learner needs.
7. The candidates will demonstrate leadership skills to advocate for students, communities, policies and practices that support student learning and development.

​Learning Outcomes: Special Education Initial Programs

1. Beginning special education professionals understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities.
2. Beginning special education professionals create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
3. Beginning special education professionals use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
4. Beginning special education professionals use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions.
5. Beginning special education professionals select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities.
6. Beginning special education professionals use foundational knowledge of the field and their professional ethical principles and practice standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
7. Beginning special education professionals collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences. (2012 CEC Standards)

Learning Outcomes: Special Education Advance Programs

1. Special education specialists use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias.
2. Special education specialists use their knowledge of general and specialized curricula to improve programs, supports, and services at classroom, school, community, and system levels.
3. Special education specialists facilitate the continuous improvement of general and special education programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, and system levels for individuals with exceptionalities.
4. Special education specialists conduct, evaluate, and use inquiry to guide professional practice.
5. Special education specialists provide leadership to formulate goals, set and meet high professional expectations, advocate for effective policies and evidence-based practices, and create positive and productive work environments.
6. Special education specialists use foundational knowledge of the field and professional ethical principles and practice standards to inform special education practice, engage in lifelong learning, advance the profession, and perform leadership responsibilities to promote the success of professional colleagues and individuals with exceptionalities.
7. Special education specialists collaborate with stakeholders to improve programs, services, and outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and their families.

Programs

• Elementary Education, K-6 Concentration, M.Ed.
• Elementary Education, K-6 M.A.T.
• Elementary Education, Reading Education K-12 Concentration, M.Ed.
• Middle Grades 6-9, Language Arts Concentration, M.Ed.
• Middle Grades 6-9, Mathematics Concentration, M.Ed.
• Middle Grades 6-9, Science Concentration, M.Ed.
• Middle Grades Education 6-9, Math, Science, English Language Arts, or Social Studies Specialty Area, M.A.T.
• Special Education K-12, Current License in Special Education, M.Ed.
• Special Education K-12, License in Education but not in Special Education, M.Ed.
• Special Education, General Curriculum K-12, M.A.T.

• Special Education Certificate

• Class A Level Licensure in Birth-Kindergarten Education
• Class A Level Licensure in Elementary Education
• Class A Level Licensure in Reading Education
• Licensure in Middle Grades Education 6-9, Language Arts Concentration
• Licensure in Middle Grades Education 6-9, Mathematics Concentration
• Licensure in Middle Grades Education 6-9, Science Concentration
• Licensure in Middle Grades Education 6-9, Social Studies Concentration
• Licensure in Special Education, Initial A-Level License

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