Elyon, M.Ed.
[Elyon-RWU M.ED. Leading to EC (Birth-2) SWD (Birth-2) / CH (1-6) + SWD (all grades) Initial Certification, 31-Credit Distance Learning Program]
The Initial Certification in Early Childhood with Special Education or Childhood with Special Education program is designed for candidates with bachelor's degrees in an area other than education. Students enrolled in the program can gain the knowledge and skills needed for teaching general and special education students. The program is designed for post-baccalaureate students seeking a Master of Education degree leading to initial and professional certification.
Available Concentrations:
- Historical and Social Sciences
- English Language Arts
- Math
- Science
Admission Criteria:
- Writing Sample- Please attach an essay of 300-500 words explaining why you seek admission to this program and how this program will help you achieve your personal and/or career goals.
- Resume - Please attach a professional resume highlighting your professional experience, including teaching, coaching, and/or mentoring experiences.
- Transcripts - One official transcript from all colleges/universities attended. The department seeks a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0. A transcript review by an Admissions Counselor is required to determine if any additional courses are needed for enrollment based on N.Y.S.E.D. certification guidelines.
SPECIFICS OF THE INITIAL EARLY CHILDHOOD & SWD, or CHILDHOOD & SWD M.Ed. DEGREE
Minimum Total Hours: 31
Minimum Requirements: Overall and major G.P.A. of 3.0 with no grade less than B-.
Major Requirements: 31
- GEDU 5010 Planning, Instruction, and Assessment [4 cr]
- GEDU 5011 Social Foundations of Education [4 cr]
- GEDU 5012 Historical Foundations of Special Education [4 cr]
- GEDU 5014 Language & Literacy I [4 cr]
- GEDU 5023 Assessment in Inclusive Classrooms [3cr]
- GEDU 5027 Child & Adolescent Development & Learning [3cr]
- GEDU 5034 Language & Lit in Early Childhood [2cr] OR GEDU 5118: Language & Lit in Childhood Classrooms [2cr]
- GEDU 6002 Student Teaching in Special Education [1cr]
- GEDU 5029 Teaching Mathematics in the Inclusive Classroom [2 cr]
- GEDU 5035 Early Child Curriculum & Methods [2cr] OR GEDU 5130: Elementary Curriculum & Methods [2cr]
- GEDU 6000/6001 Capstone Seminar [1cr]
- GEDU 6004/6003 Student Teaching [1cr]
Field Experience Requirement | Students must complete 100 hours of fieldwork
Student Teaching Practicum | 14 Weeks
*Students must meet additional requirements for these courses. Please see the Fieldwork Handbook for more information.
To obtain New York State certification, students must meet the following requirements:
- S.T. | Multi-Subject Content Specialty Test
- S.T. | Students with Disabilities Test
- A.S. | Educating All Students Test
- P.A. | Teacher Portfolio Assessment
- A.V.E. | Mandatory Workshop
- Child Abuse | Mandatory Workshop
- A.S.A. - Dignity for All Students | Mandatory Workshop
- Autism Training | Mandatory Workshop
After completing all academic requirements and all required workshops, the student will be recommended to the state by Roberts Wesleyan University. A student who has not completed the required workshops will not be recommended to the state until the mandatory workshops are completed. If a student has not completed all workshops six months after the student's conferral date, they must apply for certification through individual evaluation. Roberts Wesleyan University will not recommend the student for certification.
Stop Out Policy:
Once a Stop Out is directed due to a failing grade, the student must submit a written request to show an intention of re-joining the program. The student must send the request to the Program Director. It must explicitly state the student's steps to ensure success upon return (i.e., taking a writing course to improve writing skills, sorting out home-life issues, getting settled into a new job, etc.). Once the written request is received, the Program Director will consult with the Steering Committee and then meet with the student to develop a re-entry plan. The student must adhere to all stipulations of the plan and earn a passing grade in the failed course on the second attempt to continue in the program.