Graduate Certification:  High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate that 62% of all students identified with a disability are educated in the general education setting for 80% or more of the school day.  The High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion Graduate Certificate responds to this critical and growing need for teachers to have appropriate support for serving all students in their classrooms, including students with disabilities, at risk students, and typical learners.

In this certificate program, you will learn the practical tools to implement instructional changes that promote diversity and foster inclusivity in your classroom and within the school culture.  You will join students from a variety of backgrounds and fields and participate in active learning experiences using evidence-based inclusive practices for students.  You will learn about high leverage practices (HLPs) that are critical to helping students learn and for supporting students’ social and emotional development.  Field-based experiences are threaded throughout the program so candidates receive first-hand opportunities to translate research and theory into practice.

Ideal candidates for this Graduate Certificate include:

•    practicing teachers in areas such as elementary education or content area teachers at the middle or high school levels seeking knowledge and skills that will enhance their ability to serve all students within inclusive settings.
•    practicing teachers in special education seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area.  This certificate can be used as a Stepping Stone to the Master in Education, Special Education program, with a complete transfer of credits to the master’s program of study.

 

Certificate program outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion prepares candidates to:

•    Understand current issues and challenges relating to effective learning interventions
•    Apply the latest research in educational intervention
•    Promote positive learning and inclusive education
•    Interpret assessment data
•    Develop knowledge and skills to better meet the diverse needs of students in all educational settings

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (15 credits).

The certificate program includes five courses (a total of 15 credits). For students enrolling in one course per semester, the Graduate Certificate will be completed in two academic years.  

**For CA&I students, this would be in conjunction with the CA&I program of study. Students have the option to take more than one course during a semester.

Courses include existing courses within the special education master’s program. After completion of the 15 credits, those wishing to complete the Master’s in Special Education may do so with an additional 21 credits.

Fall semester:  SED 532 - Behavior management and intervention

Spring semester:  SED 598 - Writing Intervention for Students

Summer semester:  SED 598 - Executive Functioning

Fall semester:  SED 545 - Intervention for reading difficulties

Spring semester:  SED 544 - Math methods in special education