Special Education

Program Information

Graduate Certificate in Special Education

 
Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.
 

Program Overview

The Special Education (SPED) endorsement is for currently certificated teachers who would like to add a special education endorsement to an existing teaching certificate.

Special Education programs offer courses online via Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing in order to serve the entire state of Alaska. These courses meet weekly on a specific day and time in a virtual classroom. Anyone with reliable internet access, a computer, and microphone can participate in our online courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Utilize a variety of assessments to identify specific areas of student strengths and weaknesses and use the results to guide instruction.

  • Individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.

  • Support and promote inclusiveness and equity for students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

  • Apply the legal and ethical principles associated with special education.

  • Promote a positive social environment for all students, particularly those with significant emotional and/or behavioral disorders.

  • Develop and maintain an atmosphere of collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and paraprofessionals.

  • Critically analyze and apply principles of research.

  • Demonstrate literacy regarding theoretical perspectives associated with human development and learning.

Important Notice about Planning a Practicum or Internship:
The SPED practicum or internship application deadline for fall semester is the second Friday of February. The deadline for spring semester is the second Friday of September.

Students applying for a State-approved Program Verification Form (formerly called an institutional recommendation or IR) must have their degree posted before the program verification form will be issued. 

Advising

Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For program information, contact the SOE Dean's Office at uaa_soedu@alaska.edu or 907-786-4402.

Special Education Faculty

Name/
ePortfolio
Title Program/Department UA Email Address Phone Office
Krista James, Ph.D. Term Assistant Professor Special Education kpjames@alaska.edu 907-786-4867 ADM 101S

Master of Education in Special Education

 
Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.
 

Program Overview

The MEd in Special Education is designed for individuals who desire advanced professional preparation in Special Education. The program encompasses theory, research, and practice relating to individuals who experience disabilities. 

Special Education programs offer courses online via Blackboard Collaborate web conferencing in order to serve the entire state of Alaska. These courses meet weekly on a specific day and time in a virtual classroom. Anyone with reliable internet access, a computer, and microphone can participate in our online courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student outcomes for the program are based on the professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) located at www.cec.sped.org.

Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Utilize a variety of assessments to identify specific areas of student strengths and weaknesses and use the results to guide instruction.
  • Individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
  • Support and promote inclusiveness and equity for students
  • Apply the legal and ethical principles associated with special education.
  • Promote a positive social environment for all students, particularly those with significant emotional and/or behavioral disorders.
  • Develop and maintain an atmosphere of collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
  • Critically analyze and apply principles of research.
  • Demonstrate literacy regarding theoretical perspectives associated with human development and learning.