Master of Arts degree Special Education Learning Disabilities

Educators specializing in learning disabilities are dedicated to the improvement of educational opportunities and lifestyle choices for exceptional children in the community. These experts provide both cognitive and emotional development for children, teenagers and adults to succeed in school and the community.

Learning disability professionals need an appreciation of the theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. They also need to understand how the student's support systems, school-based definitions, criteria, characteristics, etiology, and current trends at the local, state and national level affect the instruction of exceptional students.

St. Thomas prepares professional, effective teachers in special education with traditional coursework and a practicum in a real-world educational setting.

The St. Thomas Difference

Courses in the program are conveniently scheduled late afternoons or evenings, summer days and summer evenings. If you are interested in pursuing more than one licensure, the areas have some courses in common leading to ease in attaining multiple licensures.

Other licensures available at St. Thomas include: developmental disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders and early childhood special education.

The state of Minnesota approves license programs for special education personnel, and St. Thomas recommends qualified candidates for those licenses. Specific licensure programs have been submitted to and approved by the state. Any variance from that approved program also must be approved by the state. This places upon the department a responsibility for specific, high-quality special education programs.

Special education professional are prepared to:

• Address current literature and issues in special education.
• Implement appropriate identification and due-process standards.
• Design, field test and evaluate appropriate instructional strategies and methodologies.
• Provide direct service and consultation.
• Collaborate with family agencies, community services and professional organizations.
• Work as partners with families.
• Collaborate with professionals across disciplines.