News Releases
Capella University Announces State-Approved Master's Specialization in Special Education Teaching
Online master's degree includes a special focus on learning disabilities
MINNEAPOLIS, June 1, 2009 - Nearly every state in the country reports a shortage of special education teachers, according to the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Report. To help address that need, Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for working adults, announced a new state-approved specialization in Special Education Teaching within its Master of Science in Education program.
The specialization has a focus on learning disabilities and is designed to prepare teachers to seek their license in special education teaching with an endorsement in learning disabilities*. The curriculum was developed around national special education standards and includes information on the latest educational methods and learning strategies, such as the "Response To Intervention" (RTI) model of learning disabilities assessment and intervention.
Capella's online master's degree specialization in Special Education Teaching has been granted approval by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. State approval is significant because graduation from a state-approved program is a licensure requirement in a number of states. All nine of Capella's P-12 Education specializations that lead to licensure are state-approved in Minnesota and/or Arizona.
"We're pleased to offer another state-approved specialization, especially in an area where there is such a great need," said Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, dean of Capella's School of Education. "The vast majority of children with special needs spend at least part of their day in regular classrooms, so not only is there a nationwide call for special education teachers, but many regular classroom teachers could also benefit from training in this area. We chose a focus in learning disabilities because it represents the largest group of special education students, with more than 45 percent identified as having learning disabilities. When they have an opportunity to learn from teachers with special training in learning disabilities, it can increase their opportunities to achieve academic and lifelong success."
Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its Master of Science in Education, Special Education Teaching specialization. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552) or e-mail info@capella.edu.
Review of this specialization is pending in AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, MN, ND, SC, VA, WA, and WI.
Admission to the Special Education Teaching specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Capella University School of Education Certification of Licensed Teaching form located at www.capella.edu/aspscripts/schools/TeacherLicensure.pdf.
*Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.
State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.
Prior to enrollment, Washington state learners are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360.725.6320 or profed@k12.wa.us to determine teacher certification or endorsement requirements, and contact their school district regarding qualifications for salary advancement.
About Capella University
Capella University (NASDAQ: CPLA – News)(www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for working adults. More than 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public administration, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 123 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. More than 28,000 learners were enrolled as of March 31, 2009, from all 50 states and 55 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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