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WORDS FROM STUDENTS & FACULTY
View Video“Our education faculty have a great deal of life experience. They're practitioners. And, they bring to the table their experiences, which go far beyond what you can learn in textbooks.”
–Eva Williams
Director of Education Programs
“The USM Master's in Education program courses incorporate the discussion of current issues in education, as well as in-depth study of each topic. The collaborative nature of the program provides opportunities to learn from others in the field, and it's great to be able to tailor assignments and projects to the real needs I encounter in my daily work.”
–Kathy Wing
Graduate Education Student
“I will always appreciate the sound and comprehensive education I received at Saint Mary. It was the right program at the right time for my career and job situation.”
–Marlon De La Torre
Master of Arts in Education Graduate
View Video“I want students to do more than just know information. I want them to be moved to action-and make a difference in our world.”
–Sister Mary Pat Lenahan, SCL, Ph.D.
USM Education Professor
Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education
Overview
Curriculum- Course
Descriptions - Admission
Requirements - Graduation
Requirements
Faculty
FAQ's
Overview
With affordable tuition, small class sizes, and flexible course designs, the University of Saint Mary should be your first choice among graduate programs in adaptive special education in the Kansas City area.
Educators licensed and trained in the latest techniques in adaptive special education are among the most sought-after professionals in the field today. Let us help you enhance your marketability and your value to your school district while making you a stronger teacher overall.
As you work toward your master’s degree in special education at USM, you’ll learn to effectively instruct students in grades K-12 with special learning needs in the mild through moderate range. And, you’ll study as part of a cohort of fellow learners, helping you draw support from your peers.
All USM instructors have real-world experience in the education of adaptive learners and are well versed in current issues and trends in adaptive special education. Our helpful advisory staff wants you to succeed, and our small class sizes promise lots of one-on-one attention.
Is it for you?
USM’s graduate program in adaptive special education is designed with busy working teachers in mind. We’re sensitive to personal and professional obligations, and we’ll work with you to develop a schedule that fits your life.
This program seeks to develop teachers who:
- Are committed to the education of all children
- Maintain high expectations for educational achievement and quality of life for individuals with special learning needs
- Utilize the latest theories, principles and practices in the design and practice of special education instruction
- Collaborate with and foster positive relationships with parents, schools, and community personnel
Please Note:
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new applications are not currently being accepted for the existing Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program. Please contact Eva Williams, our graduate education program advisor, for additional information.
The University of Saint Mary is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel.
Curriculum
The USM Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education degree will prepare you to effectively instruct children and youth with mild to moderate learning problems and needs.
Through the USM special education program, you will learn:
- The philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education
- About the diversity of students with special education needs and how to support their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and career development
- How to properly assess, diagnose, and evaluate adaptive education needs
- How to plan and implement effective instruction, based on knowledge of the subject matter, student, community, and curriculum goals
- How to promote learning by providing orderly, supportive environments that encourage students’ participation
- How to manage behavior, facilitate problem-solving, develop social skills, and promote self-advocacy of students with adaptive learning needs
Core Courses
All courses are three credit hours (unless otherwise indicated)
- SPED 700 Introduction& Characteristics of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 702 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies, K-6 and/or Grades 5-8
or
SPED 703 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies, Grades 6-12 - SPED 704 Adaptive Instructional Strategies and Methods Field Practicum
SPED 706 Collaborations with Parents and Agencies - SPED 708 Assessments of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 710 Communication/Collaboration Within the School Setting
- SPED 712 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 714 Inquiry, Data Collection and Research
SPED 716 Advanced Practicum - SPED 720 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- SPED 722 Communication Disorders
Visit the special education course descriptions page[ link ] for more information on courses.
Provisional License Option
Candidates who have completed SPED 700, either SPED 702 or SPED 703, and SPED 704 are eligible for a provisional Kansas license in adaptive special education.
Please Note:
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new applications are not currently being accepted for the existing Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program. Please contact Eva Williams [hyperlink to her email WilliamsE@stmary.edu], our graduate education program advisor, for additional information.
Course Descriptions
All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.
Total required hours for licensure at grade levels K-6 or 5-8 or 6-12 levels—33 hours
Total required hours for licensure at both K-6 and 5-8—33 hours
Total required hours for licensure at both K-6 and 6-12—36 hours
- SPED 700 Intro to Adaptive Needs
- SPED 702 Methods & Strategies: K-6/5-8
- SPED 703 Methods & Strategies: 6-12
- SPED 704 Practicum
- SPED 705 Social & Behavioral Needs
- SPED 707 Methods — Reading/LA
- SPED 708 Assessments
- SPED 710 Communication School
- SPED 711 Methods — Transitioning
- SPED 712 Optimal Environments
- SPED 714 Inquiry & Research
- SPED 716 Advanced Practicum
- SPED 720 Negotiation and Resolution
SPED 700 Introduction and Characteristics of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
This course prepares the teacher with an understanding of students’ diverse learning needs and characteristics that support their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and career development needs. The teacher will develop and understanding of the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of the interrelatedness of education and special education.
SPED 702 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies: K-6 and/or 5-8
This course prepares the teacher to plan and implement effective instructional methods and strategies to meet the needs of diverse adaptive learners in the K-6 and/or 5-8 classrooms. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 703 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies: 6-12
This course prepares the teacher to plan and implement effective instructional methods and strategies to meet the needs of diverse adaptive learners in the 6-12 classrooms. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 704 Adaptive Instructional Strategies and Methods Field Practicum
The teacher in this field-based practicum demonstrates knowledge and skill in planning and implementing effective instruction, which is built upon standards-based goals for content, students, and community. The teacher promotes a supportive learning environment that encourages student participation. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in SPED 702 or SPED 703. Forty-five hours of supervised practicum required.
SPED 705 Educating Students with Social and Behavioral Needs
This course instructs the teacher in understanding the characteristics of adaptive learners with significant behavioral needs and in assessing and developing effective strategies to address those needs. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 707 Methods — Reading/Language Arts (for students seeking licensure at K-6 or 5-8 OR K-6 AND 6-12)
This course prepares the teacher to screen, assess, and identify the needs of adaptive learners in the areas of reading and language arts and to then effectively link the information gathered to intervention strategies and methods. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 708 Assessments of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
This course prepares the teacher to screen, assess, and identify the needs of adaptive learners and then effectively link the information gathered to intervention strategies and methods during the MTSS process. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 710 Communication/Collaboration within the School Setting
The course prepares the teacher to develop and refine communication and collaborative skills and knowledge to work effectively with para-educators, administrators, teachers, volunteers, and other school personnel to foster a supportive learning environment. Prerequisite SPED 700.
SPED 711 Methods — Transitioning to Adulthood (for students seeking licensure at 6-12 OR K-6 and 6-12 )
This course prepares the teacher to assess the skills, interests, and preferences of students as they plan for their future, to help adaptive learners understand their needs, and to know how to articulate those needs in public school settings and beyond. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 712 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
This course prepares the teacher to develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish a planned, orderly classroom where participation is encouraged, to facilitate the inclusion of students in least restrictive environments, and to develop effective classroom modifications for students in both general and special education settings. Prerequisite: SPED 700.
SPED 714 Inquiry, Data Collection, and Research
This course assists the teacher in developing knowledge of data collection and research techniques that will enable him/her to design a research project that addresses a specific educational practice in a classroom setting with students with adaptive learning needs. The Action Research Plan developed in this course will be implemented in SPED 716. Prerequisites: SPED 700, SPED 702 or 703, SPED 704, SPED 705, SPED 707 and/or SPED 711 (depending upon licensure level), SPED 708, SPED 710, SPED 712, SPED 720.
SPED 716 Advanced Practicum
This advanced field-based practicum focuses on the teacher as a facilitator of effective instruction, developer of supportive learning environments, and a promoter of social skills demonstrating professional, ethical, collaborative, and effective communication skills. The research project designed in SPED 714 will be conducted during this practicum. Prerequisite: SPED 714. Ninety (90) hours of supervised teaching required.
SPED 720 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
This course examines the processes of negotiation and conflict resolution and prepares the teacher to develop problem-solving strategies with parents, educators, and other community professionals. A variety of effective strategies and techniques will be presented through simulation, role-playing, readings, lectures, and discussions. Prerequisite: SPED 700
Please Note:
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new applications are not currently being accepted for the existing Special Education Program. Please contact Eva Williams, program advisor, for additional information.
Admission Requirements
For admission into USM’s graduate program in adaptive special education you must have or provide:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, including completion of the Exceptional Child course at the undergraduate level
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Admission on a probationary status may be available to those with lower undergraduate GPAs
- A teaching certificate
- Official transcripts from the school where you completed your bachelor’s degree (Unofficial transcripts may be requested from schools where prerequisite coursework was completed and unofficial transcripts should be submitted for any previous graduate work)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Completed application and $25 application fee
You can request to transfer up to six credit hours of applicable course work from another graduate program toward the USM Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program.
Please Note:
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new applications are not currently being accepted for the existing Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program. Please contact Eva Williams, our graduate education program advisor, for additional information.
The University of Saint Mary is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel.
Graduation Requirements
To successfully complete USM’s Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program, you must:
- Complete of all your course work and your final summary portfolio within five years of initial enrollment
- Participate in assessment activities
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Pay of all fees
Required Courses
All courses are three credit hours (unless otherwise indicated)
- SPED 700 Introduction& Characteristics of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 702 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies, K-6 and/or Grades 5-8
or
SPED 703 Adaptive Instructional Methods and Strategies, Grades 6-12 - SPED 704 Adaptive Instructional Strategies and Methods Field Practicum
SPED 706 Collaborations with Parents and Agencies - SPED 708 Assessments of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 710 Communication/Collaboration Within the School Setting
- SPED 712 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
- SPED 714 Inquiry, Data Collection and Research
SPED 716 Advanced Practicum - SPED 720 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- SPED 722 Communication Disorders
Visit the special education course descriptions page[ link ] for more information on courses.
Provisional License Option
Candidates who have completed SPED 700, either SPED 702 or SPED 703, and SPED 704 are eligible for a provisional Kansas license in adaptive special education.
[ highlight box: ]
Please Note:
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new applications are not currently being accepted for the existing Master of Arts in Adaptive Special Education program. Please contact Eva Williams [hyperlink to her email address WilliamsE@stmary.edu ], our graduate education program advisor, for additional information.
Faculty
Program Advisor
Eva Williams
Director of Education Programs, Overland Park Campus; B.A., University of Kansas; M.Ed., Washburn University
(913) 319-3009
williamse@stmary.edu
Eva Williams has 23 years of experience in K-8 Catholic schools in Kansas as both teacher and administrator. She completed her undergraduate degree in classical antiquities at the University of Kansas. At Washburn University she studied elementary education and also earning a Master of Arts in Building Administration. Eva is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Educational Administration at Baker University.
Faculty
- Cheris Bass, M.S.
- Erin Dugan, Ph.D.
- Amy Gaumer-Erickson, Ph.D.
- Nancy Hill, M.S.Ed.
- Susanne James, M.S.Ed.
- Joan Johnson, M.S.
- Ron Malcom, Ed.D.
- Judy Martin, Ed.D.
- Julie Veatch, Ph.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to have a teaching certificate or licensure to enter this program?
- At what level will I be licensed to teach in a special education?
- What is an "adaptive special education" endorsement? What type of special needs students may I teach with this endorsement?
- May I take the courses for the endorsement without getting the master’s degree?
- May I transfer in courses I have taken at other institutions?
- Is there a testing requirement for the licensure?
- Am I eligible for a provisional license while I’m in this program?
Do I need to have a teaching certificate or licensure to enter this program?
Yes. This program is designed for those who already possess an initial teaching certificate or license. This is an added endorsement.
At what level will I be licensed to teach in a special education setting?
You will be licensed to teach at the same level as your initial certificate or license.
What is an "adaptive special education" endorsement? What type of special needs students may I teach with this endorsement?
You will work with students who have learning problems and needs in the mild to moderate range.
May I take the courses for the endorsement without getting the master’s degree?
No. The program provides both the endorsement and degree at the same time.
May I transfer in courses I have taken at other institutions?
Yes. Some transfer credits may be accepted. Check with your advisor or program director for specifics.
Is there a testing requirement for the licensure?
Yes. Those seeking the adaptive special education endorsement must pass two Praxis content exams.
Am I eligible for a provisional license while I’m in this program?
Yes. After completing the first nine credit hours of the program (including the first practicum), you may be given a provisional license in adaptive special education. To have the provisional licensure continue, you must stay enrolled in the program.