POST-MASTER LDT-C CERTIFICATION
This program is designed to meet the State of New Jersey certification requirements for the LDT-C Certification for applicants who have a master’s degree and three years of documented teaching experience with a STANDARD New Jersey Instructional Certificate.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- New Jersey certification in education and completion of three years documented full time teaching experience with a STANDARD New Jersey Instructional Certificate. Letter substantiating this should be submitted on letterhead of school district.
- Verification of an earned master’s degree through official transcript
- Two professional references
- Submit a personal statement of a minimum of 2-3 pages describing reason for pursuing this graduate program in special education including what your career goals are for this area of specialization
- Personal interview
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (27 credits)
Course Code : ED 522
Course Description :
This course examines both the historical basis and current federal and state statutes and regulations pertaining to special education. In depth analysis of both federal and state law cases will be examined. Issues such as the IDEIA, ADA, NCLB, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as state issues/regulations governing special education will be analyzed. Students will understand the concept of learning disabilities and the observable characteristics of those who are learning disabled ranging from severe to mild disabilities. Research, attitudes and current practice as they relate to children with individualized differences and special needs will be discussed and evaluated. This course has a 12-hour field component.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 559
Course Description :
This course provides for advanced training in the identification of, and the planning for students with learning disabilities. Administration and analysis of diagnostic batteries, views on measurement issues and evaluation of data to make decisions regarding eligibility and instructional planning will be covered. An overview of tests, applicable to educational assessment and Child Study Team will be emphasized. Case Studies Methods will be used to simulate teacher, parent and Child Study Team practices. Students will be required to assess a student utilizing within their 12 hour clinical field component.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED522, ED530, ED535, ED536, and ED539
Course Code : ED 530
Course Description :
This course is designed to teach future teachers to create effective learning environments for students with varying levels of skill in attention, academics, behavior and social areas on a variety of learning environments while focusing on the inclusive classroom. It will introduce ways of adapting materials, modifying curriculum and adjusting teaching strategies to meet the needs of the students. This course will also introduce various ways in which technology can enhance the learning experiences of students in a variety of learning environments.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED522, ED523
Course Code : ED 535
Course Description :
This course provides a comprehensive examination of theories of learning, emphasizing analysis of the commonality and diversity among learners. Objectives include the study of theories relative to learning, intelligence, reading, learning styles, developmental diversity, and the neurophysiological influences upon learning. A course outcome is the research-based examination of how various physical, emotional, and chemical conditions impact human development and thereby influences learning in all areas of the curriculum. This course has a 12- hour field component.
Credit : 3
Course Code : ED 536
Course Description :
This course examines reading from historical, theoretical, and pedagogical perspectives that influence research-based intervention approaches. The course builds upon prerequisite understanding of reasons for reading failure. Objectives include implementation of researchbased strategies that optimize direct instruction for teaching reading comprehension. The ability to effectively select, evaluate, and utilize reading interventions based on a CBI/RTI approach that appeals to reluctant readers and students with special needs is an outcome designed to enhance professional development and the ability to identify resources and materials effective for classroom literacy programs. This course has a 12-hour field component.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED535
Course Code : ED 540
Course Description :
(formerly called The Special Educator as Collaborator) Provides students with the skills necessary for collaboration and consultation with other professionals and discusses not only how schools and teachers can collaborate with these agencies, but which agencies are the appropriate ones to contact. Communication strategies and skills, with emphasis on communicating with the home, with other teachers, and with professionals outside the field of education, will be practiced. Team building strategies between teachers and other professionals will be developed. Collaborative learning and collaborative planning will be practiced for implementation in in-class support programs. This course includes a 12-hour field component requirement.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED522, ED521, ED523
Course Code : ED 613
Course Description :
This course represents a key course to individually assessing students with disabilities for graduate students acquiring the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant endorsement. The course will focus on methods of qualitative and quantitative research including: conceptualization, methodology, and analysis of a case-study research project during the Practicum. A study of research-based studies will be analyzed to engage the student in the above methodologies. A final project will include designing a case study and analytical report of findings. Remedial strategies for students with Learning Disabilities will be addressed with application to the assessment requirement of a student. Requirements for this final project are a final paper and oral presentation of the results. This course must be taken simultaneously with either ED 614 or ED 615. Practicum courses (co-requisite).
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED559
Course Code : ED 614
Course Description :
This course begins the supervised field experience of the student with a multi-disciplinary Child Study Team during the Referral Process. It includes the identification, evaluation procedures and analysis of diagnostic results through administration of valid assessment instruments determining eligibility for Special Education and related services. The student will become involved in the observations, consultations, diagnostic assessment, instructional planning, remediation and collaboration as a member of the Child Study Team interacting with teachers, administration and parents. The above experience results will be incorporated in class discussions focusing on the specialized role of the LDTC during the entire Child Study Team referral process and its function in the educational domain. (Minimum of 45 hours of Supervised Field Experience with a mentor and an LDTC Caldwell College Supervisor.)
Credit : 3 – 0
Prerequisites :
ED522, ED540, ED530, ED527, ED536, ED539, ED535, ED521, ED525, ED559, ED568, ED523
Course Code : ED 615
Course Description :
This course is a continuation of the ED 614 LDTC Practicum I. During this practicum the student will have the continued opportunity to function as the LDTC on the Child Study Team under the continued mentorship of a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher consultant. Students will continue to apply the knowledge, skills and values learned throughout the specialized courses in this program. The focus will be on the understanding, diagnosis and assessment, and instructional planning for the education of students with disabilities incorporating the NJCCS mandates and proper placement of each student in the Least Restrictive Environment through collaboration between educational professionals and parents. The student will also participate in the development of the IEP and participate during the Determination of Eligibility IEP parental meetings and other Annual IEP parental meetings throughout the practicum. The outcomes will be discussed during class sessions. (Minimum of 45 hours of Field Experience under LDTC supervisor.)
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
ED614, ED521, ED525, ED530, ED535, ED540, ED559, ED568, ED523, ED539
Co requisites :
ED610 or ED611
Transfer of Graduate Credit
Caldwell University will accept the transfer of three graduate credits from another institution of higher learning provided the credits were completed within five years of previous graduate work. A description of the course as well as official transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course, which should be B or better. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator.