COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Texas A&M University

Master's Training Program in Low-Incidence Disabilities

About the Program

Are you an experienced special education teacher who is committed to work with students with significant needs? Then consider the Master of Education program in Low-Incidence Disabilities at Texas A&M University.

The purpose of this program is to produce qualified specialists in the field of instruction to serve individuals with Low-Incidence Disabilities, specifically students with intellectual disabilities, autism, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury or multiple disabilities. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and will include coursework from a variety of programs within Texas A&M University. All students in the program will participate in extensive practicum experiences with students with Low-Incidence Disabilities.

Background

Of the 492,857 students currently receiving special education in Texas, approximately 32,079 are identified as having autism, significant mental retardation, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, or multiple disabilities (Texas Education Agency, 2005). 

The majority of Texas special education teachers have little or no training in low-incidence disabilities. Since 2003, the majority of special education teachers receive their preparation through emergency or alternative certification programs that cannot fully address the needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities in these time-limited programs. In addition, few teachers receive training in the effective inclusion of students with disabilities.

Currently, 14% of the school-aged student population in Texas spends over 60 percent of their instructional day in segregated settings. Most of these segregated students are categorized as having a low incidence disability (Texas Education Agency, 2005). To address these critical statewide needs, this program will prepare 32 qualified special educators for students with low-incidence disabilities in Texas. As each of these educators may instruct as many as 20 students as part of their case load, a total of 640 students with low-incidence disabilities will receive services each year from highly qualified personnel as a direct result of this project.

Financial Support

•   A stipend of $13,000, which will fully cover the cost of tuition and fees
•    Supplemental stipends to cover long distance and online course fees
•    $1,000 conference travel support

Individuals who accept funding will be expected to teach students with low incidence disabilities for a two-year period following graduation.

Eligibility Requirements

•    Certification in special education
•    Experience working with individuals with disabilities
•    Half-time enrollment for 5 semesters
•    Commitment to teach students with low incidence disabilities for two years upon graduation

Application Process

Applicants must apply to both Texas A&M Graduate School and EPSY's special education program. Admission will be for the Fall semester only. To have an application mailed to you, contact Tiersa Hopkins, Project Recruiter, at (979) 574-3531 or thopkins@tamu.edu

Applications must include:

•    A completed university application
•    Transcripts of coursework from all previous institutions of higher learning
•    GRE scores (less than 5 years old)
•    TOEFL score (required for international students)
•    Departmental application including a biographical profile that addresses career goals and interests
•    Three letters of recommendation from professionals that address your potential in graduate studies
•   A stipend application form for the Low-Incidence Disabilities Program

Program of Study

Course Sequence

Year I:  Fall Semester
Special Education 614: Issues in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (3 hours)
Special Education 632: Transition from School to Work (3 hours)

Year I:  Spring Semester
Elective (3 hours)
Elective (3 hours)

Year I:  Summer Institute
Special Education 610:  Family Issues in Special Education (3 hours)
Special Education 628:  Consultation (3 hours)
Special Education 689:  Self-Determination and Advocacy (3 hours)
Special Education 689:  Instruction for Individuals with Significant Support Needs (3 hours)
Masters Projects Designed

Year II:  Fall Semester
SPED 689:  Multicultural Special Education (3 hours)
Special Education 618:  Applied Behavior Management (3 hours)

Year II:  Intersession
Special Education 685:  Master's Project (3 hours)

Year II:  Spring Semester
Educational Psychology 630:  Single Case Research (3 hours)
Elective (3 hours)

Total Number of Graduate Hours = 39

Faculty

Contact

For more information, contact Tiersa Hopkins, Project Recruiter, at (979) 574-3531 or thopkins@tamu.edu

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