From: Dr. Ruth Eren, Chair, Special Education & Reading Department

Transcription

1 To: Graduate Special Education Applicants From: Dr. Ruth Eren, Chair, Special Education & Reading Department Thank you for your interest in the Department of Special Education. The following information contains materials to guide you through the admission process. To apply to Southern Connecticut State University Master s and/or Cross Endorsement in Special Education, Please submit to the Graduate School: A completed application for admission with a $50 nonrefundable fee. If you submit an online application (available on the School of Graduate Studies web page which can be accessed from the main SCSU webpage), you will need the verification of application letter in your file, as well. Transcripts from every educational institution you have attended. Submit to the Special Education Department: Attention: Rosa Clough Two letters of recommendation, each accompanied by the attached rating form An essay of approximately 500 words (See attached guidelines) Background Check Required. See page 6 (Bring copy of receipt) A successful interview with your department advisor is required Student Retention and Continuation Policy If you have any questions regarding the application process, please call the Special Education Office at during regular business hours (Monday Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.) ESSAY FOR MASTER S, SIXTH YEAR, AND CROSS ENDORSEMENT ONLY CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM 1

2 CALL is the School of Education Conceptual Framework. CALL represents the guiding principles that structure the work we do as educators. These criteria are especially significant within the Graduate Special Education Program. How do the principles of Collaborating, Applying, Leading, and Learning relate to your views of being an educator? Please respond to each component below using approximately 500 words in total. C Collaborating Within and Across Diverse Contexts In your undergraduate work, graduate studies, professional development at school, and other relevant experiences with education, how have you collaborated within and across the multicultural and technological contexts that characterize our 21 st century global society? A Applying Skills to Impact Learning and Development How do you apply your content and pedagogical knowledge to impact the learning and development of learners from all backgrounds and ability levels? L Leading for Excellence How do you envision yourself in a leadership and advocacy role in special education? Give examples of when you have exhibited pro-social behaviors and dispositions, as well as competency using data in decision-making. How do these skills help you to guide others to promote professional excellence? L Learning Through Inquiry, Experience, and Reflection As an educator, how can you also be a lifelong learner? How do you see your classroom and school as contexts for your own learning and on-going professional development? Explain. **Essays are scored holistically on a pass/fail basis. In the event of a failing grade, the following rubric will be completed so you can see where there were problems: 1. Expectations unmet 2. Expectations met 3. Expectations exceeded State and stay on topic 2. Address all specified parts of the writing assignment 3. Present ideas in an organized fashion 4. Include sufficient detail and elaboration to statements 5. Choose effective words 6. Employ correct grammar and usage 7. Use correct mechanics (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, paragraph form) Letter of Recommendation Southern Connecticut State University Special Education Department Davis Hall, Room 212 2

3 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) The admission procedure of the School of Education requires the applicant to obtain individual recommendations. After completing this form, mail to the above address. Thank you for your cooperation. Applicant s Name Student ID # I hereby waive my rights of access under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to specific and composite letters of recommendation. Applicant s signature How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity have you known the applicant? Please rate the above named applicant relative to other students/employees whom you have known in a similar capacity 1. Intellectual potential 2. Written communication skills 3. Oral communication skills 4. Builds positive relationships with colleagues 5. Builds positive relationships with students 6. Builds positive relationships with families 7. Demonstrates respect for diversity 8. Personal and professional integrity 9. Leadership potential 10. Service to school/community beyond contract requirements Poor Good Excellent Please comment on the above criteria and other areas which indicate suitability of the candidate for admission to the Graduate Special Education Program. Please use the back of this form for your comments or attach a separate letter of recommendation. Signature Title or position Phone Letter of Recommendation Southern Connecticut State University Special Education Department Davis Hall, Room 212 3

4 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) The admission procedure of the School of Education requires the applicant to obtain individual recommendations. After completing this form, mail to the above address. Thank you for your cooperation. Applicant s Name Student ID# I hereby waive my rights of access under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to specific and composite letters of recommendation. Applicant s signature How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity have you known the applicant? Please rate the above named applicant relative to other students/employees whom you have known in a similar capacity 1. Intellectual potential 2. Written communication skills 3. Oral communication skills 4. Builds positive relationships with colleagues 5. Builds positive relationships with students 6. Builds positive relationships with families 7. Demonstrates respect for diversity 8. Personal and professional integrity 9. Leadership potential 10. Service to school/community beyond contract requirements Poor Good Excellent Please comment on the above criteria and other areas which indicate suitability of the candidate for admission to the Graduate Special Education Program. Please use the back of this form for your comments or attach a separate letter of recommendation. Signature Title or position Phone SCHOOL OF EDUCATION STUDENT RETENTION AND CONTINUATION POLICY All programs in the SOE require continuous involvement in a process of adding to academic knowledge, developing professional competencies and growth as an individual and contributing 4

5 member of an increasingly diverse community and world. Students will be evaluated at each of the 4 Gates on the areas below: 1. Academic Knowledge. Includes comprehensive knowledge of subject area, understanding of the teaching and learning process, pedagogical principles and practices of effective instruction, contemporary standards-based practices, and school/community relations. 2. Professional Competencies. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a growing level of proficiency in: Individual assessment and instruction reflecting research-based practices. Collaborative role of the teacher in the contemporary school setting. Adaptation of instructional practices to meet the needs of diverse learners. Integration of appropriate technology into instruction. Pursuit of the highest standards of professional practice and service to the program, professional organizations, and the community. Efficacy to strive for pedagogical, professional, and scholarly practice based on research, personal reflection, and experience in the field. 3. Personal Characteristics. Candidates are expected to abide by the ethical standards of the University, School of Education and respective Departments as well as CAEP. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate: Respect for worth, uniqueness, and potential for growth and development of all individuals; Effectiveness in interpersonal relationships, and the ability to establish facilitative relationships with many different kinds of people; Flexibility and openness to feedback and learning, and a commitment to personal growth; Behavioral stability, productive work habits, and a personal manner in which responsibilities are met in a cooperative and conscientious fashion. These competencies reflect the commitment of the School of Education Conceptual Framework, CALL Collaborating, Applying, Leading, and Learning. Continuation in professional education programs is contingent upon positive on-going evaluations of the candidate in these areas. A candidate may be suspended or dismissed from the program for deficiencies in any of the foregoing. ************************* I have read carefully all information, including the information about dispositions for teacher candidates and about gates for continuing in the program. I understand that my continuation in the program is contingent upon positive, on-going faculty evaluation of my performance in the above three areas and on meeting the various gates specified in the packet. I also understand that I must maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the program. If I am a student who was admitted to the program via a GPA waiver, I understand that I must meet waiver requirements to continue in and complete my specific program. Candidate Signature What is a background check and how do I complete this process? Admission to programs within Special Education including Undergraduate and Graduate Comprehensive, Collaborative, Master s, Sixth-Year, and Cross-Endorsement programs 5

6 requires proof of a background check receipt submitted with admissions materials. Candidates for admission must complete this requirement to be considered for admission to these programs. Please refer to the SOE Background Check Policy available at: The following is required: Arrange to complete a fingerprint & background check at the ACES (North Haven) location at your earliest opportunity. Appointments are offered on Thursday afternoons ONLY. The School of Education arranges for ACES to be on campus in January and September of each year for student appointments. ACES will provide a receipt. Bring a copy of your receipt to your interview for your Graduate file and give a copy of the receipt to: Dr. Angela Todaro Office of Clinical Field Experience & School of Education Student Services Davis Hall, Room Crescent Street New Haven, CT As an alternative, you may also arrange for a fingerprint and background check at LEARN located at 44 Hatchetts Hill Road in Old Lyme. Only morning appointments are available. Please call Barbara Poole at , Ext.156. LEARN will provide you with a receipt. Bring a copy of your receipt to your interview for your graduate file and give a copy to Dr. Angela Todaro at the address above. ALWAYS keep a copy of your receipt for your records. Your background check will be good for 3 years from the date on your receipt. Please note that some school districts may require additional fingerprint/background check actions to meet their standards for placement in the district. Please direct questions related to fingerprinting/background check to the Office of Clinical Field Experiences & School of Education Student Services at OBTAINING A TK20 ACCOUNT You can purchase a TK20 account in one of two convenient locations: online at or at the SCSU Bookstore. 6

7 To purchase your account online: Go to Go to the link in the bottom left-handed corner: Click here to purchase or register your student account Select the option: I need to purchase my TK20 student account Select the form of payment Fill out all required (*) information Click submit. You will receive an once your account has been activated (2-3 business days). NOTE: be sure to check spam/junk mail folders for activation . To purchase through the bookstore: Purchase a TK20 Student Activation Kit at the bookstore. The kit contains a unique registration number. Go to Go to the link in the bottom left-handed corner: Click here to purchase or register your student account Select the option: I need to register my TK20 student account purchase made at the bookstore Fill out required (*) information, including the 34 digit registration code found in your kit. Click submit. You will receive an once your account has been activated (2-3 business days). NOTE: be sure to check spam/junk mail folders for activation . Your TK20 account will be activated within 2-3 business days after the purchase. If you do not receive an after this period, contact: tk20support@southernct.edu. Please include your name, Banner ID, and Southern address. 7