Special Education

The mission of this area is to prepare knowledgeable, ethical, caring decision makers for students with special educational needs in the context of diverse and inclusive social groups, communities, families, and students.

Our goal is to prepare specialists to serve students and families with specific educational needs through:

• assessment and intervention
• leadership and collaboration
• clinical application, research, and practice

Special education programs at K-State serve three purposes:

• to prepare undergraduate education students for working with exceptional students in the regular classroom
  » See QuickStart Provisional Endorsement brochure (PDF) for Elementary Education
  » See StepAhead Provisional Endorsement brochure (PDF) for Secondary Education
• to prepare teachers at the graduate level for teaching exceptional children and youth in special education programs
• to prepare personnel for special education administration and/or coordination of special education programs

K-State prepares special education teachers at the graduate level in four categorical areas:

• behavior disorders
• learning disabilities
• mental retardation
• education of gifted

A cross categorical program is available in early childhood special education. Also, advanced programs in supervision and special education administration are available.

The Department of Special Education, Counseling and Student Affairs also administers the granting of M.S. and Ed.D. degrees in special education. M.S. students may elect to write a thesis, a nonthesis report, or complete a comprehensive written examination. Ed.D. students must write a dissertation based on independent and original research.

Student Learning Outcomes for M.S. in Special Education:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of general education curriculum, transition, developmentally appropriate needs and practices, and skill in planning and implementing effective instruction.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills and uses these skills to build partnerships.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate effective educational assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation knowledge and skills.

Student Learning Outcomes for Ed.D. in Special Education:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of research and practice in special education coupled with advanced scholarship in at least one area of specialization in the field.
2. Students will be able to interpret theoretically grounded and research based information, adapt to changing situations, make complex decisions, solve problems, and evaluate actions in a professional education setting.