Elana Reiser, Ed.D.,Director, SJNY Long Island
Program Description
The Master’s Degree in Mathematics Special Education is a 36 credit degree that you can earn in five semesters of study. The degree requires two or three classes each semester, including the summer. Particular attention will be paid to integrating technology with the teaching of mathematics in order to meet the standards set by both New York State and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Candidates for this program will be eligible for initial certification to teach special education. Completion of the program will also satisfy the degree requirements for professional certification to teach mathematics in New York State. To successfully complete the program, students must maintain a B average.
Mission and Goals
The purpose of the Master of Arts Program in Mathematics Special Education is to prepare intellectually-equipped students to become accomplished mathematics teachers who have a background in teaching students with disabilities. In doing so, the Program aims to extend the
depth and breadth of mathematical skills previously learned on the undergraduate level and to enable teaching professionals to use these expanded skills to motivate and engage a diverse population of students who possess varying cognitive skills and learning styles. Particular attention will be paid to integrating technology with the teaching of mathematics in order to meet the standards set by both New York State and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The Department seeks to instill in teaching professionals dedication to the discipline, as well as the desire and ability to become lifelong learners. Candidates for this program will have previously earned initial certification to teach mathematics at the secondary level.
The courses in Special Education are specifically directed to the New York State P-12 Learning Standards and the Council for Exceptional Children standards. This legislation proposes the necessity of elevating teacher quality by developing competencies in subject areas, teaching skills and assessment strategies, as well as using basic research to cultivate the ability to adapt instruction to student learning needs. These expectations are fulfilled in the design of the current program. It includes courses in research, assessment, adaptive and alternative methods, strategies for understanding, using researched based instruction and designing behavioral plans. By cultivating an inclusion component as a reality and available for all persons, this program emphasizes autonomy in all aspects. Through a strong research component, students are exposed to the theory and practice of several distinct areas, including assessment, inclusion of family, psychological and social characteristics, and supports for students with physical impairments.
This program prepares students to be highly effective special education teachers who serve students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities. Our program addresses the challenges of teachers in the field of special education, creates leaders, and upholds and advances the principles set forth by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
The specific objectives of the proposed Master of Arts Program in Mathematics Special Education are as follows:
1.To prepare students for life-long learning of mathematics.
2.To develop in students a deeper understanding of, and the ability to address, a wide variety of learning styles.
3.To have students be able to communicate the method of their reasoning effectively.
4. To enable students to make connections between the upper level mathematics courses that they are taking and the mathematics at the grade level they will be teaching.
5. To provide a solid understanding of mathematics at the grade level students will be teaching as well as the entire K-12 curriculum.
6. To enable students to become familiar with current trends, issues, and technology in mathematics and special education.
7. To provide a familiarity with the New York State and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards.
8. To develop research skills in the field of mathematics education.
9. To learn classroom skills for teaching students of varying backgrounds.
10. To deepen the mathematical background of students.
Admission Requirements
All applicants to the Master of Arts in Mathematics Special Education program must possess a baccalaureate degree in mathematics (or at least 30 mathematics credits) from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA and hold an initial certification in mathematics 7-12.
Additionally, applicants must have completed 6 credits in each of the following areas: social sciences, English, a modern language, and science.
Admission Procedures
Application Procedures
Candidates must submit:
1. A completed application accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $25.
2. An updated resume, which includes chronological dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities.
3. Two letters of recommendation. One must be from a mathematics professor or someone who can speak to your mathematical abilities and the other from an education professor or cooperating teacher.
4. A copy of your initial teaching certificate.
5. Please arrange to have official transcripts of your undergraduate and graduate work sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
6. A completed medical form. New York State Public Health Law requires all students who were born after January 1, 1957 to be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella. You will be required to submit proof of a recent physical examination including a Diphtheria-Tetanus booster and a Tuberculin Skin test.
Admissions Process
Applicants will be contacted by the Office of Admissions to arrange for an interview with the program director after all relevant documents have been submitted.
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