Post-Master's Certificate in Learning Disabilities

Chairperson
Dr. David Lee Keiser

The Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Montclair State University offers a post-master's program for those students seeking certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant.  Students wishing to enter this certification program must complete 30 semester hours in the areas of study listed below.  Qualified students who have already earned a master's degree in education, reading, psychology, special education, or similar fields may apply appropriate credits toward the 30 semester hours required for the Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant certification. At least 12 semester hours must be taken at Montclair State University. At the completion of the program, if all other requirements have been met, the student will be recommended for New Jersey State certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant.

REQUIREMENTS

The Graduate Program Coordinator will examine applicant's transcripts of the master's degree and other graduate credits to determine specifically which of the following courses may be applied toward certification for Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant:

Total: 30 credits

ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY (May be contained in master's degree program)
The number of elective credits needed will be determined at advisement; see notes below.

1. Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities:
SPED 567, Instructional Planning for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings I, (3)
and
SPED 568, Instructional Planning for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings II, (3)
and
SPED 582, Basic Instructional Techniques for Students with Disabilities, (3)

2. Technology:
SPED 585, Technology for Inclusive Classrooms, (3)

3. Language Development:
CS&D 583, Language Disorders of Children, (3)

4. Reading:
READ 500, Nature of Reading, (3)
READ 508, Techniques for Reading Improvement in Secondary Schools, (3)

5. Behavior:
SPED 588, Promoting Prosocial Behaviors in Inclusive Settings, (3)

6. Psychopathology:
PSYC 565, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, ( 3)

7. Early Childhood Special Education:
ECSE 508, Partnerships with Diverse Families and Communities, (3)
ECSE 519, Early Language and Literacy Development, (3)
ECSE 506, Assessment of Preschool Children with Disabilities, (3)

NOTES

CREDITS: Students who are seeking certification in LDT-C must complete the 30 credits of required courses listed above and electives as determined by the advisor to a master's degree in education, reading, psychology, counseling, special education, or similar fields, may apply credits toward the requirements if the courses are parallel in content and requirements to MSU courses and if they are approved by the advisors.  However, 12 credits must be taken at MSU.  Elective courses provide the background in teaching students with disabilities that as LDT-C must possess in order to be successful in this role.  The number of elective credits required will depend on previous educational background, certifications held, and experience

PROGRAM PURPOSE:  The courses and practica in this program are designed to prepare students to be Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultants.  Although emphasis is placed on Child Study Team function in school settings, LDT-Cs are working in hospitals and private practice.  Students are trained to work in transdisciplinary manner that stimulates the nature of Child Study Team operations.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATIONS: The program is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education. 

COURSE SEQUENCE:  SPED 579, 580, 581, 587, 590, 596 must be taken in this order.  SPED 587 can be taken before SPED 581 due to offering only once per year.  Remaining courses may be taken at any time.  Enroll in SPED 587 Requires the prerequisite, SPED 582, SPED 567, or SPED 568.

QUALIFYING EXAMINATION:  The passing of the Qualifying Examination is used as a criterion for entering the practica (SPED 590 and 596).  Questions cover the knowledge base that is expected to be in place before a student begins practicum experiences.  A review sheet is available as a study guide.  The examination dates are announced in the semester prior to enrolling in SPED 580.

PRACTICA:  SPED 590 and 596 are supervised practica.  Dr. Fine's permission is required before enrolling in these courses.  The Qualifying Examination must be taken and passed before enrolling in SPED 590.

TRANSFER CREDIT:  Transfer courses taken before matriculation are limited to six credits; course work cannot be more than 10 years old, must parallel MSU courses in scope and content, and must be approved by Dr. Fine prior to enrollment.

FINAL AUDIT:  The dates listed are deadlines for filing for Final Audit with the Registrar's office: October 1st for May conferment; March 1st for August conferment; and June 1st for January conferment.

Link to NJ Department of Education Requirements for Licensure:
http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/

Link to a List of Requirements for the Montclair State University Master of Education in Learning Disabilities Program:
http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/programs/masters/ldspecialed.shtml

Link to Montclair State University Center of Pedagogy:
http://cehs.montclair.edu/cehs/academic/cop/teacher/admissions.shtml

ADMISSION

All candidates must meet the basic admissions requirements for graduate study at Montclair State.  The completion of a major from an accredited college or university is preferred.  Candidates with degrees in closely related areas will be considered, although prematriculation coursework may be required.

DEADLINES

Credentials are processed as soon as they are received.  This program does not have a specific deadline; however, the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services recommends that students submit their credentials as far in advance as possible for the semester they plan to begin their studies to ensure a timely review of their application.

TO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective/app.shtml