B.S. Ed in Special Education PreK-12 DOuble Major with Early grades or Middle Grades
Overview
Congratulations on your decision to pursue a teaching career. Effective teachers are developed from strong professional programs that incorporate broad knowledge of the world, human development, and pre- professional experiences. Professional growth involves understanding the ways children can be helped to interact with the curriculum to make learning the most productive experience possible. Furthermore, knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of teaching strategies effectively is a measure that distinguishes the master teacher.
WCU Special Education department prepares future teachers to be effective educators.
Our faculty is committed to supporting the development of teachers equipped with the
knowledge, skills, and dispositions to construct quality educational programs for
children with disabilities. Our mission is to foster knowledgeable, passionate, competent,
and reflective graduates who will serve as eloquent, articulate advocates for all
children, families, and special education professionals. Double majors must pursue
Special Education certification and a second certification area in early grades Pk-4
or middle grades 4-8.
Highlights of Curriculum
- Overview of Disabilities
- Behavior management
- Instructional Strategies
- Assessment Course [writing RR’s, IEP’s and NOREP]
- Transition Course
- Trauma Informed Education
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Addressing the needs of students with severe disabilities
Program Requirements
These Guidance Sheets are for Fall 2023 Admits ONLY
EDA/EGP Guidance Sheet
EDA/MGP Guidance Sheet
These Guidance Sheets are for students admitted before Fall 2023
EDA-EGP Double Major Guidance Sheet
EDA-MGP Double Major Guidance Sheet
EMGE Double Major – Pacing Guides
EDA-EGP Sample Course Plan
EDA-MGP Sample Course Plan
Teacher Candidacy
Teacher Candidacy is the process that confirms your intent to pursue teacher certification at West Chester University. All students seeking to achieve the Teacher Candidacy status must have achieved the following minimum requirements:
Field Experience
The field experiences are designed to give students first-hand experience with students in grades Pk-12 with disabilities served in different kinds of placements across the continuum. Specific course work is taken concurrently with field experience where students are learning characteristics, teaching strategies, application, and theory. Integral to the success of such an experience is the necessity for students to reflect and question what they are observing/ experiencing in different placements serving students with disabilities. This provides students with the theory and research necessary to become an effective teacher - the opportunity to integrate theory and practice.
Students must obtain clearances for each course containing field experience in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes.
Degree Completion Requirements
To be cleared for graduation with a B.S.Ed. in Special Education, all undergraduate students must complete the following requirements:
Certification Requirements
The Department of Special Education offers a program of study leading to certification at the PreK-12 level.
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Helpful Links and Resources
Contact Information
Chair and Assistant Chair:
Dr. Beatrice Adera | REC 304 | badera@wcupa.edu | 610-738- 0455
Dr. Dawn Patterson | Recitation 210D | dpatterson@wcupa.edu | 610-436-3363
Student Success Coordinators - available for additional academic advising support:
Ms. Michelle Adkins | 201B Recitation Hall | Madkins@wcupa.edu | 610-436-2521
Mr. Thom Nixon | 201A | Recitation Hall | Tnixon@wcupa.edu | 610-436-3408