MS Ed. Special Education Written Comprehensive Exam

Transcription

1 MS Ed. Special Education Written Comprehensive Exam Overview General Information The Written Comprehensive Exam (comps) is an exit requirement for the master s degree in special education. Questions encompass general special education and specific endorsement area knowledge. Comps are given three times per year: October, March, and June.

2 Application Applications are available in the special education office in the Child Study Center, Room 104 or online at Applications will be accepted up to 6 weeks before the date of the exam. You must indicate on your application whether you wish to use a computer. Preparation 6 weeks prior to the exam you will receive a packet of questions. You will be given 6 questions to prepare for the exam: 2 general questions 2 specific endorsement area questions for each endorsement area sought (Generally, 2 endorsement areas are sought.)

3 Preparation References You will also need to prepare a reference list for each of your answers. The reference lists and any parenthetical (in-text) citations used must conform to American Psychological Association (APA) style, 5 th edition. For further information, consult the APA Publication Manual and/or Preparation References Organize references by question. You must provide at least three (3) references per question; do not list the references at the end of the question. DO NOT cite class notes as a reference. You may cite textbooks, or other original sources of information such as journal articles.

4 Exam Day You will be assigned a student number. Do not put your name on any exam materials. Each student will answer 4 questions (1 general & 3 endorsement-specific). 2 questions will be given to the student at 8:30 am and must be returned at 10:30 am. After a 20 minute break, the last 2 questions will be given to the student at 10:50 am and returned at 12:50 pm. Exam Day A reference list must be submitted with each of your exam responses. Blue exam books and dictionaries will be provided. If you are using a computer, you must bring a blank floppy diskette. You may use the spell check feature. All other materials will be left at the front of the room.

5 Evaluation of Comps Each question is worth 10 points and will be evaluated by the following scale: Content (8 points): a. Content is accurate, up-to-date and reflects knowledge of the professional literature, including at least three (3) appropriate references. b. Content is comprehensive and reflects knowledge of and treatment of various perspectives on the subject. Evaluation of Comps, cont. Organization and Presentation (2 points): a. Content is organized offering introductory statement(s), well-integrated discussion, and a summary/conclusion. b. Content is well written and reflects graduate-level quality (e.g., clear, concise, proper grammar, syntax, spelling, and marks of punctuation).

6 Evaluation of Comps, cont. Student responses are coded by number. Student number will be assigned on the day of the examination. Questions will be scored blindly by two (2) faculty members. Faculty evaluations will be added together to provide a score for each question. A minimum of 16 points (out of a possible 20) is needed to pass each question. Evaluation of Comps, cont. If a student earns less than 16 points on one question, he/she has failed that question and must arrange to retake a question from the same general or specific area after receiving feedback. If a student fails two (2) or more questions, the entire exam may be retaken at the next scheduled date.

7 Evaluation of Comps, cont. Only one (1) reexamination is allowed. If the student fails the exam (misses 2 questions or more) twice, that student will be unable to receive the master s degree. Suggestions Feeling anxious? A little anxiety is a good thing. Try outlining your answers rather than memorizing them verbatim. You can then write your outline in the blue exam book cover. Practice your responses in a blue book or on the computer. Simulate an exam, using the two hour time blocks.

8 Suggestions Be sure your answer is free of punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors. On exam day, use your time carefully; allow enough time to edit and proofread each answer. Answer every component of each question. See sample rubric on website. Suggestions Get plenty of sleep and have a good breakfast (sound familiar?). You may work in teams to research questions, but the final analysis and writing must be your own.

9 Frequently Asked Questions How long should a response be? Your response should fully answer every part of the question. There is no length requirement. If I have to cancel taking the exam, will I be penalized? No, canceling prior to the exam date does not constitute an attempt to take comps. Frequently Asked Questions Can faculty members read response drafts before the exam? You may contact the faculty when formulating your answer, but faculty members will not pre-read draft responses. How will I find out the results of my exam? Four to six weeks after the exam, a letter will be sent to your home address notifying you whether you passed or failed.

10 Final Notes More questions? Call Dr. Cheryl Baker at (757) or 1 (800) , ext If this is your last semester in the program, you will be required to complete the ODU Graduate Exit Survey and the program Post Task Rating Form. See program web page at Check master s exit requirements and assessment pages. Final Notes, cont. Reminders: Have you applied for graduation? Are you currently registered? If not, you must register for GRAD 999. VDOE DA 035 (licensure verification) forms will be completed and sent directly to your home address once your master s degree has been posted.