The Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE program within the PLNU School of Education is field-based and designed around themes and practices that reflect current research and practice. It is the intent of the faculty to infuse these themes into the courses they teach. We believe conceptualizing, personalizing, and applying these themes through extensive fieldwork is critical for the educator candidate to be effective in a contemporary educational system.
Program Learning Outcomes
Embracing all Learners: Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE candidates will acquire knowledge about and demonstrate sensitivity toward students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Learning about second language acquisition theory and demonstrating the ability to effectively teach limited English proficient students and those students with special learning needs is expected.
Morals, Ethics, and Values: Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE candidates will address such topics as the integration of morals, ethics, and values in the classroom. They will receive instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society and about teaching values in the schools.
High Leverage Practices: All effective teachers must possess a repertoire of strategies in order to teach students with a full range of academic abilities, skills and backgrounds. Through the application of diverse teaching models, Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE candidates will learn how different approaches can enhance their future students’ self-efficacy and academic achievement.
Positive Behavior Support: To be effective in the classroom, teachers need to have a strong background in classroom management, Positive Behavior Interventions, and Supports, as well as trauma-informed practices that support all types of learners and backgrounds. Various models will be explored. The Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE courses are designed to ensure that candidates are educated from a global perspective of education. Additionally, other courses focus on the methodologies furthering the application and practice of theory and research. The practice and application components of the methods courses are easily facilitated due to the field – based nature of the Master of Arts/Master of Science in Special Education/AASE program.