Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education for Initial Certification, Learning and Behavior Disorders

The Special Education Initial Certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders program, which will lead to a Master of Arts in Teaching, is for individuals who are seeking initial certification in LBD and may or may not be currently employed as a teacher of students with Learning and Behavior disorders. This option is for those individuals with no prior teacher certification in any area. This 36-hour program consists of coursework in induction to the profession of special education, the diagnosis and assessment of learning and behavioral disabilities, prescriptive teaching, managing behavioral disorders and positive behavior supports, research in special education, and special education law. If a student is currently employed or has verification of employment from a school district, the student may be eligible for a Temporary Provisional Teaching Certificate (CA-TP). If the student does not secure employment as the teacher of record in an LBD setting during the program, the student will be required to complete the equivalent of the state required student teaching experience in an unpaid position in an accredited Public School within WKU's service area. Graduates completing the equivalent of a student teaching experience will be eligible for a Statement of Eligibility for certification as a teacher of students with LBD. Students must submit passing scores on the Praxis II and be fully admitted to the professional education unit (teacher admissions) PRIOR to enrolling in SPED 590 Students must meet all state requirements for student teaching and initial certification. SPED 590 should be taken as the final course of the program. All courses in the program carry critical performance indicators (CPIs) that must be completed before the final course grade will be recorded. Each course's CPI becomes a part of the portfolio that is reviewed at the end of each semester for progress through the program.

Document completion of a bachelor's degree with a major, or equivalent, in an approved subject area and from an accredited institution.
Present a letter of application (including professional goals). Document a cumulative overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above (counting all course work, undergraduate or graduate) OR a GPA of 3.0 in the last 30 hours of course work (counting all course work, undergraduate and graduate).
Submit the state required passing score on the Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE).
Submit documentation to satisfy partial criteria for admission to professional education, including references, physical including TB test, signed commitment to uphold the code of ethics, and criminal background check.
Students who have not had an introductory-level special education course within the past ten years must complete SPED 516 The Exceptional Child Perspectives and Issues, as a deficiency prior to enrollment in any of the MAT courses for Special Education.
Baccalaureate degree or higher, or equivalent international degree, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or greater on baccalaureate degree or equivalent international degree or minimum GPA of 3.0 on a degree higher than a baccalaureate or equivalent international degree.
Evidence of English proficiency (international students only)

Official transcripts demonstrating completion of bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university & certified English translation
Any additional program requirements (writing samples, resume/vita, etc.)
GRE/GMAT scores, if required by program
Adequate academic preparation in the field of specialization
English proficiency requirements (one of the following):
TOEFL, IBT 79
IELTS 6.5