Graduate Catalog 2020-2021

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

 

The M.A.T program is designed to meet the needs of candidates with a bachelor’s degree other than education seeking initial certification and lead to recommendation for a Georgia level 5 certificate. The M.A.T. program is designed to link theory and practice through a combination of course work, research, and applied field experiences. The candidate’s program is based on transcript review, previous work experience, and the requirements of Piedmont College, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Special Education Master of Arts program is to prepare our candidates to use advanced knowledge of learner characteristics, federal and state regulations, evidence-based practices, and collaborative skills to affect positive learning outcomes for school-age individuals with disabilities. Further, we prepare candidates to engage in ongoing professional development, use inquiry to guide professional practice, and provide leadership to create effective school environments

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 score on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments is required for certification.

Required Early in Program Unless Previously Satisfied:

These courses 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

Program Requirements (Cluster A)

EDUC 5599Graduate Orientation

1

EDUC 6600Educational Assessment

3

EDUC 6601Instructional Media and Technology for Teachers

3

SPED 6602Learning Characteristics of Children with Disabilities

3

SPED 6606Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers

3

SPED 6607Single Case Research for Special Educators

3

SPED 6633Curriculum and Differentiated Instruction

3

EDUC 6656Essentials of Collaboration and Inclusion

1

SPED 6684Advanced Strategies for Behavior Change

3

EDUC 7703Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education

3

SPED 7705Policies and Legal Issues in Special Education

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

Hours 43 Minimum

After all requirements for cluster A and B, and appropriate assessment requirements are met, candidates may be recommended for the Special Education General Curriculum Certificate, which prepares them to work in a consultative setting with a content teacher of record.

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).

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.