Coordinators: Mickey Pardew

Mission

Prepare special education professionals who are grounded in knowledge about disabilities, issues regarding the provision of special education and related services and the development and dissemination of innovative and culturally sensitive practices and policies.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate commitment to professional excellence and leadership through the practice of ethical behavior and integrity via professional learning communities and a formal research paper.
2. Facilitate the education, independent living, school and community integration and personal adjustment of individuals with disabilities taking into account diverse cultural backgrounds via a class presentation and a formal research paper.
3. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the field of special education and related services that includes knowledge of theories, policies and instructional practices that influenced the field.

This program requires a minimum of 45 graduate credits of which the majority are in special education. Students entering this program may include content from licensure/endorsement programs such as the special educator or the early intervention special education programs. Candidates may have, but are not required to have, prior teaching licensure.

In addition to admission to graduate study at WOU, the student must be admitted to a specific special education program of study. For program application requirements, go to: wou.edu/dte or contact the department at 503-838-8471 or email education@wou.edu.