B.S. Ed in Special Education PreK-12

Overview

Congratulations on your decision to pursue a teaching career. Effective teachers are developed from strong professional programs that incorporate broad knowledge of the world, human development, and pre- professional experiences. Professional growth involves understanding the ways children can be helped to interact with the curriculum to make learning the most productive experience possible. Furthermore, knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of teaching strategies effectively is a measure that distinguishes the master teacher.

WCU Special Education department prepares future teachers to be effective educators. Our faculty is committed to supporting the development of teachers equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to construct quality educational programs for children with disabilities. Our mission is to foster knowledgeable, passionate, competent, and reflective graduates who will serve as eloquent, articulate advocates for all children, families, and special education professionals. Stand-alone majors may pursue Special Education certification [only] and have the option of adding a minor.

Highlights of Curriculum

Overview of Disabilities
Behavior management
Instructional Strategies
Assessment Course [writing RR’s, IEP’s and NOREP]
Transition Course
Trauma Informed Education
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Addressing the needs of students with severe disabilities

Program Requirements

These Guidance Sheets are for Fall 2023 Admits ONLY

Stand-Alone PK-12 Guidance Sheet

These Guidance Sheets are for students admitted before Fall 2023

EDA STAND-ALONE GUDANCE SHEET

EDA Stand-Alone Guidance Sheet

EDA STAND-ALONE PACING GUIDE

PK-12 Special Ed. Sample Course Plan

Teacher Candidacy Information

Teacher Candidacy is the process that confirms your intent to pursue teacher certification at West Chester University. All students seeking to achieve the Teacher Candidacy status must have achieved the following minimum requirements:

View Requirements

48 credits at the college level (100 level or above)
Cumulative GPA of 2.9
3 credits in college-level English composition [WRT Coursework]
3 credits in literature taught in English [LIT 220]
6 credits in college-level mathematics [MAT 101 & 102]
Passing scores on the Basic Skills Assessment (SAT/ACT/CORE/PAPA)

In addition, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.9 to continue taking advanced professional education coursework.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TEACHER CANDIDACY

MORE INFORMATION ON PA TESTS

Field Experience

The field experiences are designed to give students first-hand experience with students in grades Pk-12 with disabilities served in different kinds of placements across the continuum. Specific course work is taken concurrently with field experience where students are learning characteristics, teaching strategies, application, and theory. Integral to the success of such an experience is the necessity for students to reflect and question what they are observing/ experiencing in different placements serving students with disabilities. This provides students with the theory and research necessary to become an effective teacher - the opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

Clearance Information

Students must obtain clearances for each course containing field experience in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes. These include:

Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks
FBI fingerprinting
Pennsylvania Child Abuse Record checks - required for all who enter a school.

All clearances must be completed prior to the first day of the field course in which you are enrolled and updated every year. Please contact the Office of Candidate Services at 610-436-2999. All other majors - no retest is needed until applying for student teaching except in rare cases. Some school districts hosting early field students and student teachers require a TB test issued within the year they begin their school district assignment.

NOTE: School district requirements take precedence over university policy. Failure to maintain a current set of clearances will prevent you from enrollment and/or may require your dismissal from field-based courses, blocked classes, and student teaching.

MORE CLEARANCE INFORMATION

Degree Completion Requirements

To be cleared for graduation with a B.S.Ed. in Special Education, all undergraduate students must complete the following requirements:

View Requirements

Complete all coursework - refer to undergraduate catalog/program guidance sheet
Achieve grades of C and above in all special education coursework
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Achieve and maintain Teacher Candidacy Status - access to designated advanced professional education courses will be restricted to teacher candidates who have applied for and received Teacher Candidacy status.

ADDITIONAL GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

Certification Requirements

The Department of Special Education offers a program of study leading to certification at the PreK-12 level. B.S.Ed. in Special Education - PreK-12 will qualify students for PDE special education certification at the PreK-12 level.

View Requirements

Upon completion of all coursework, students will qualify for award of the B.S.Ed. degree in Special Education. Students must be awarded the degree before they can be recommended for certification.

Upon award of the degree and achievement of passing scores on state certification exams, students will be recommended for certification. The initial certification qualifies students for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate in PK-12 Special Education, valid for six years of teaching. Passing scores on state certification exams are required for certification.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFICATION

Helpful Links and Resources

Contact Information

Chair and Assistant Chair

Student Success Coordinators - available for additional academic advising support: