Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Special Education (Grades 1-6) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), MSEd


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Professor Pace, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-6476
Professor Gordon, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5170


This dual certification program will prepare students to meet the educational requirements for certification in both students with disabilities (Grades 1-6) and teaching English as a second language (all grades). The degree provides students with the opportunity to participate in classes that focus on the most current understandings of special education and TESOL pedagogical practices. This program consists of a sequence of core courses and experiences for teaching students across the full range of disabilities to:

  1. New York state initial/professional certification as a special education teacher at the childhood developmental level.
  2. New York state initial/professional certification for teaching English as a second language (all grades).

A universal theme woven into the fabric of all programs in special education is an appreciation of diversity and the understanding that the goal of education is to teach every child so that all children can learn. Literacy education, multicultural education, meeting the needs of learners with exceptionalities and the use of technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms with the National CEC Standards, the National TESOL Standards, and the requirements of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Graduates of this program will be recommended for the following teaching certificates: Classroom teachers with preparation in TESOL (all grades) and students with disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or (Grades 1-6). Graduates will be prepared for the following teaching positions:

  1. Teachers of students with disabilities (Grades 1-6) with additional preparation in TESOL (All grades).
  2. Teachers of English as a Second Language (All grades) with preparation in Special Education (Grades 1-6).

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are submitted online to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

  1. *Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood,adolescent education, or literacy.
  2. General Education core-Twelve (12) semester hours of second language study or demonstrated proficiency in a second language on a nationally normed standardized test
  3. A completed application form to the master’s program.
  4. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
  5. **Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
  6. Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
  7. A written personal statement of professional intent.
  8. Interview with a faculty member in special education. 

*Teachers who received  NY state certification through reciprocity, individual evaluation or additional certification pathway will need proof of coursework in the following liberal arts areas: Artistic Expression/Humanities (3 s.h.) Communication (3 s.h.) Information Retrieval or placement exam (0-3 s.h.) Concepts in History/Social Science (3 s.h.) Scientific Processes (3 s.h.) Mathematical Processes (3 s.h.) Literature, Analysis and Written Expression (6 s.h.)

Course work for the general education core in the liberal arts and sciences must have a GPA of 2.75 or above with no grades below a C

** Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 40


Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 31 s.h. of the Master of Science in education program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. Student teaching may be used to meet the 31 sh residency. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading to the Master of Science in education degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Courses in which students receive grades below C- confer no credit toward the graduate degree but are included in determining grade point average.

Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching


Field experiences are integrated extensively into course curricula. A minimum of 100 clock hours of observation is required prior to student teaching. At least one placement will be spent in a site recognized by the New York State Education Department as high-needs. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement.

Participation/observation field experiences which correspond to the developmental level of the certificate holder are required in each of the following courses:

Practicum


Students will qualify for admission to SPED 237A - Teaching Students With Disabilities  and CT 268 - Practicum: Teachers of Non-English Speaking Students  when they have satisfied the following requirements:

  •  Successful completion of 31 s.h. of course work.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work.

Admission by permission of the graduate program director and application to the Office of Field Placement and the Department of Specialized Programs in Education . Additional information is available on the Office of Field Placement website.

Graduation Requirements


  • Completion of a minimum of 40 semester hours in prescribed courses with no fewer than 31 s.h. in-residence.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work and all special education core courses.
  • Passing grade on the Special Education comprehensive examination.
  • Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
  • Completion of General Education Core and Liberal Arts requirements.
  • All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements


Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab. *Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA):http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html. To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

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