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Dec 30, 2024
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2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6), Adv. Cert.
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 Return to: School of Education Graduate Program Offerings
Associate Professor McDonald, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-7149
The advanced certificate in childhood special education (grades 1-6) is an 18 s.h. program designed for individuals who hold initial/professional New York state certification as childhood education classroom teachers, and who seek New York state certification in students with disabilities grades 1-6.
The mission of Hofstra University’s special education programs is to prepare professionals in the education of exceptional children and youth. These individuals will be scholarly in their academic pursuits and dedicated to reflective, participatory, and collaborative processes within a variety of settings and service delivery models. The advanced certificate program in childhood special education provides in-service teachers with the skills and competencies necessary for effective instruction of students across the full range of disabilities. The assessment techniques and strategies used in the identification of exceptional learners, research-based methodologies and instruction, including collaborative consultation models and universal design for learning are major foci of the program.
Special education programs build upon general education and all students must have this prerequisite preparation. Field experiences are linked to each of the courses within the advanced certificate program. 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 and reach their full potential.
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Admission Requirements
Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made 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. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
- 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.
- Proof of Initial/Professional New York state teacher certification in childhood (grades 1-6).
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with special needs.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
- Interview with a faculty member in special education.
*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing
Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 18
Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching
Field experiences are integrated extensively into course curricula. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. Participation/observation field experiences which correspond to the childhood certificate holder are required in each of the following courses:
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of 18 s.h. with no fewer than 15 s.h. in-residence.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
- Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
- 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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Return to: School of Education Graduate Program Offerings
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