Graduate Catalog 2020-2021

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Special Education: Adapted Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (generally in a field other than education) and who wish to pursue teacher certification and simultaneously earn a master’s degree.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum is an initial certification program for individuals who wish to work with learners with significant cognitive disabilities in a school setting. Candidates will acquire the necessary information and skills in order to plan programs and support students with moderate to severe disabilities in order to access the core curriculum and other critical skills such as adaptive skills and community integration.

Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and possess dispositions to work with diverse students will complete an intensive series of courses and field experiences that will prepare them to work with students with significant disabilities. The program requires a minimum of 43 credits and successful passing of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE).

Prerequisite Degree: Bachelor’s in any field

Program Requirements

All requirements for admission to teacher education, as described in the catalog, must be met. In addition to the graduate admissions requirements listed, all candidates must submit three letters of recommendation that address potential for teaching students with disabilities. A passing scores on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments are required for certification.

Required Early in Program Unless Previously Satisfied:

This course should be satisfied as soon as possible if not previously met and may be taken at either the undergraduate or graduate level in a GaTAPP program.

EDUC 6631Reading Methods

3

Cluster A

EDUC 5599Graduate Orientation

1

SPED 6602Learning Characteristics of Children with Disabilities

3

SPED 6607Single Case Research for Special Educators

3

SPED 7705Policies and Legal Issues in Special Education

3

SPED 6634Instructional Methods for Individuals with Moderate/Severe Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder

3

SPED 6684Advanced Strategies for Behavior Change

3

SPED 6606Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers

3

EDUC 6600Educational Assessment

3

SPED 6635Curriculum and Assessment for Individuals with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

1

EDUC 7703Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education

3

SPED 6636Health Care of Students with Special Needs

3

Cluster B (to be at the end of the program of study)

SPED 6151Professional Practice

1

 

SPED 7741Internship I

3

SPED 7742Internship II

5

OR

SPED 7744Advanced Internship I

5

SPED 7745Advanced Internship II

5

 

SPED 7780Capstone Seminar (with required portfolio exhibition)

3

SPED 7780: This course is non-transferable and must be completed at Piedmont College

Total Credit Hours: 41

Program Completion Requirements:

  • Admission to Teacher Education, and pre-service certificate;
  • Submit and have approved an application for graduation the semester before graduation;
  • Earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses attempted; and
  • Approval of Capstone (SPED 7780) with a passing score

Note: In order to register for Student Teaching or take the capstone course in any program (whichever occurs last), M.A.T. candidates must successfully pass the appropriate Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) tests(s).