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» special education: Moderate & Severe Disabilities

Simmons’s teaching specialization programs include: moderate disabilities and severe disabilities. The unique curricula are action oriented, allowing students to practice what they learn through hands-on projects and research. Course offerings address topics such as classroom management, collaborative consultation, assistive technology, behavioral strategies, research design, and grant writing. Because the curriculum prepares students to provide direct service in inclusive classrooms, general education coursework is further refined to address a variety of learning styles. Students also gain expertise in how to lead and implement changes in school systems so that learners with special needs can be accommodated in general education settings.

Although the programs are academically demanding, learning takes place in a supportive, collegial environment. Small classes facilitate individual mentoring and provide opportunities for group discussions, team projects, and collaborative research with faculty. Simmons professors in special education are experienced practitioners who are active in their fields as researchers, teachers, administrators, and nationally distinguished experts. Faculty advisors help students design highly individual programs of study, driven by each student’s personal and professional goals.

Moderate Disabilities

This program provides preparation for licensure in teaching learners with moderate disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12). Students are prepared to teach in all core general education curriculum areas. Moderate disabilities teaching specialists may provide direct service to learners in inclusive, general education classrooms, resource rooms, self-contained classes, day and/or residential programs.

Severe Disabilities

This program provides preparation for licensure in teaching learners with severe disabilities (PreK-12). Coursework and related practicum experiences prepare teachers to work in a variety of settings, including classes in general or special education, as well as in residential or day schools. Students are prepared to teach in all core general education curriculum areas. In addition, graduates are trained to teach skills such as communication, social behavior, and specific job competencies.

Degree Options

For these programs, Simmons offers a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Special Education, with licensure preparation for moderate disabilities or severe disabilities. Students also may choose a 40-credit non-licensure program of study. Each student designs an individual plan of study in consultation with the assistant dean and program director. The M.S.Ed. can be earned in as little as one year of full-time study, or up to four years of part-time study. Most students complete these programs in two years. The first year includes two semesters of coursework, plus a summer session. During the second year, students fulfill coursework and research competencies, as well as practicum requirements. Students who wish to complete this program in one calendar year must begin in the summer. Part-time students work with the assistant dean to develop an appropriate course sequence.

One-Year Practicum Experience

Each student pursuing licensure completes a full-time practicum, consisting of a year-long teaching position in a school setting. This extensive classroom experience allows candidates to develop teaching skills — including strategies for inclusion, behavior management, social skill instruction, and adapting classroom instruction. In addition, each candidate benefits from the supervision and mentorship of experienced practitioners and field supervisors.

Curriculum and Courses

Please download either our Moderate Disabilities Program Fact Sheet or Severe Disabilities Program Fact Sheet for more information on this program's curriculum, and see the Courses section to download a course catalog.

 

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