This option is designed for individuals who seek certification by the New Hampshire Department of Education in General Special Education (K-12) and a Master of Education degree. The M.Ed. Special Education Option is designed to support individuals to achieve special education certification at the initial level as well as enhance competence and extend learning beyond certification competencies in the area of special education. The option combines certification coursework with an internship and a school-based research project. The program begins in the summer and can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). The certification aspects of this portfolio-based program blend special education content knowledge courses with a yearlong internship experience. The internship may be conducted on the job (for students employed in an appropriate special education setting) or in a field experience approved by the faculty coordinator(s) of this program. The certification component follows standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the New Hampshire Department of Education. The KSC Conceptual Framework for Educator Preparation Programs provides students with a frame of reference as they work through the program.

Applicants to the M.Ed. Special Education Option must demonstrate an appropriate foundation in general education. Individuals who possess a recognized form of teacher certification have demonstrated this required competency.

Graduates from the Keene State College early childhood, elementary or secondary education programs who seek certification in General Special Education (K-12) are encouraged to apply to the M.Ed. Special Education Option during their senior year. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Major Requirements (38 credits)
Special Education Certification
EDUCSP-601	Foundations Special Ed.	3
EDUCSP-602	Curriculum & Instruct. Design	3
EDUCSP-603	Positive Behavior Supports	3
EDUCSP-604	Assessment Special Education	3
EDUCSP-605	Transition Planning	3
EDUCSP-660	Internship in Special Ed I	6
EDUCSP-665	Internship in Special Ed II	6
Applied Research
EDUCSP-650	Research and Teaching I	3
EDUCSP-655	Research and Teaching II	4
EDUCSP-699	Research & Teaching Capstone	4
Total Credits		38

Upon completion of the Masters of Education in Special Education degree, students will fulfill:

• Standard 1: Learner and Learner Development 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.
• Standard 2: Learning Environments 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.
• Standard 3: Curricular Content Knowledge Beginning special education professionals use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
• Standard 4: Assessment Beginning special education professionals use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions.
• Standard 5: Instructional Planning and Strategies Beginning special education professionals select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities.
• Standard 6: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice Beginning special education professionals use foundational knowledge of the field and the their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
• Standard 7: Collaboration 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.