Overview
Students accepted into the Master of Arts program in Learning Disabilities may earn an Endorsement in LD, along with the master’s degree. The Endorsement in Learning Disabilities is K-12.
Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education programs support inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society. In addition, the master’s-level programs in the Department of Special Education produce professionals with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and attitudes to deliver a continuum of habilitative/rehabilitative services to persons with special needs, and to their families, within a multicultural society.
Admission Requirements
Individuals seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities program must:
- Possess a valid teacher certification;
- Meet the Graduate School admission requirements including graduation from a regionally accredited college or university;
- Submit two letters of recommendation to include one letter verifying professional competence, and one letter from a faculty member or other person knowledgeable of academic competence;
- Achieve acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
- Submit a professionally written personal statement which reflects personal and professional commitment to the field of special education and specifically to students with Learning Disabilities;
- International students must provide a score of 90 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
There are two points of entry to the Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, described below as Track A and Track B. Track A is designed for those individuals who have earned a Teaching Certificate and an Initial Endorsement in an area of Special Education. Track B is designed for those individuals who have earned a Teaching Certificate, but have no Initial Endorsement in Special Education. This two-track approach provides maximum accessibility to graduate degree work in Learning Disabilities. The courses required for each track are outlined in the EMU Graduate Catalog.
Program Requirements
The individual seeking a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities must:
- Successfully complete a minimum of 37 hours of approved graduate credit as outlined on an approved master’s degree program that has been planned with a faculty program advisor;
- Successfully complete a competency examination at 90 percent or better. This exam is taken during, or immediately subsequent to, the practicum experience;
- Have on file with a faculty advisor two evaluations of teaching effectiveness/professional competence. These evaluations are to be completed by supervisors/administrators in public or private schools at the conclusion of the internship experience;
- Successfully complete a supervised practicum experience;
- Successfully complete the degree requirements within six years of enrolling for the first class applicable to the degree program; and
- Meet all other requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
Exit Requirements
Exit criteria include demonstration of acceptable levels of performance in the following areas:
- Ability to carry out suitable procedures for assessment of listening, thinking, speaking, reading, spelling writing, mathematics or other skill deficiencies;
- Ability to specify in behavioral terms instructional objectives that are appropriate to the skill needs and entry-level characteristics of the individual student;
- Ability to set up and maintain conditions and procedures of instruction suitable to the learning goals set for the individual student;
- Ability to assess instructional outcomes in terms of the student’s behavior change and use this data in the formulation of an ongoing instructional plan adjusted to changed student conditions;
- Ability to use appropriate techniques with the student to help develop the self-management skills required for constructive social participation and independent learning; and
- Ability to function as a member of interdisciplinary teams and maintain effective liaison with families and others working with the student.
Acceptable levels of performance will be determined by course grades, GPA, mid-program competency examination, practicum evaluations and performance in research colloquium, including production at the end of practicum of a comprehensive written document which demonstrates the understanding, synthesis of knowledge and the practical applications of diagnostic-prescriptive planning for K-12 students with disabilities. The product is considered a culminating activity for the degree program.
