Mar 29, 2024  
2015-16 Catalog 
    
2015-16 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education Program (MEd)


Southern Oregon University offers three Special Education Programs.

The Special Education Added Endorsement Program is for candidates who already hold a teaching license. Completion of the Special Education Added Endorsement program allows candidates to add the Special Education endorsement to an existing teaching license. The program is completed by passing a prescribed set of classes that may be taken during the school year and Summer Session. The Special Education Added Endorsement Program requires the candidate to complete 36 credits of coursework and related field experience.

The Special Education Added Endorsement+Master’s Program offers the special education endorsement, plus a master’s degree in education. The program comprises 45 credits of coursework and related field experience. Students may complete the Special Education Added Endorsement and Special Education Added Endorsement+Master’s programs in one- or two-year programs of study while working within the public school system. Courses during the fall and winter terms are delivered in a hybrid format (online and weekends), while the summer courses are offered online.  Candidates applying to the Special Education Added Endorsement Program do so through the Master’s in Education (MEd) application process. Applicants for either of the Dual programs must hold, or be eligible for, an Oregon Teaching license.

The Special Education Initial Licensure Program (70 credits) allows candidates to become licensed to teach students with exceptionalities at either the elementary or secondary level. When successfully completed, the Special Education Initial Licensure Program results in a Master of Education degree and recommendation to TSPC for an initial Oregon teaching license with a Special Education Endorsement. The Special Education Initial Licensure Program is a full-year, full-time program, beginning in the pre-summer session, and ending in the following spring.

Students seeking admission to the Special Education Initial Licensure Program must have at least a 3.0 GPA and pass a basic skills test (e.g. CBEST or PPST). They must also have taken a foundation of special education or mainstreaming course  and a mathematics for elementary teachers course and have documented experience working with children, preferably children with exceptionalities. Candidates must take and pass a civil rights and the National Evaluation Series in Special Education examinations. Initial Licensure candidates must complete two work samples in accordance with Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requirements.

Special Education Initial Licensure Program Course Requirements


(70 credits)

Previous (Old) Special Education Plans


Standard License and Standard Endorsement

Students who have completed a Basic Handicapped Learner Endorsement at any institution may complete the Standard Handicapped Learner Endorsement at SOU. Because the department’s courses have changed significantly since the inception of these programs, each student’s program is individually determined. Programs established prior to the course changes are individually altered to result in the least disruption possible. Students needing these changes should see a special education advisor.

Existing Master’s Degrees Requiring Special Education Courses

Students who have an existing plan for the master’s degree requiring special education courses should see a special education advisor to make the changes necessary to conform with the new course offerings. Existing plans are honored with the least number of course changes possible.