This specialty provides an appropriate degree for mid-career special education professionals who are interested in meeting the leadership challenge of guiding, mentoring, and shaping special education programs to impact student achievement, one learner at a time, on the elementary, middle, or secondary levels. This particular specialty focuses on high performance research, practical models, and data-driven decision-making; candidates must be prepared to participate in practical experiences, teacher performance assessments, and results-oriented expectations and become fully immersed in the legal and ethical standards that govern special education programs. The MAED is designed to further enhance cognitive, analytical, and reflective thinking skills through research into education theory, practice, and psychology. Additional technological applications and leadership opportunities are integrated throughout the program.
For those students in this program seeking certification, a specialized practicum appropriate for the licensure area as well as a completed portfolio and its presentation are requirements of this program. (A master’s degree with minimum of six semesters of documented successful teaching and a Wisconsin educator license are required).
Conducted over either the fall or spring semester, this practicum affords students the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired during the formal academic process; and
- Acquire new competencies and skills identified as part of the practicum experience; and
A set of tasks aligned with each administrative licensure area, completed during this practicum as documented according to the assignment details must be integrated into the exit portfolio.
At least 30 credits is required for graduation.
License area: Director of Special Education / Pupil Services #5080 (K4- Grade 12)
