Alternative Certification in Special Education (LBD) with Certification P-12

The University of the Cumberlands' alternative/additional certification program in special education (Learning and Behavior Disorders P-12) is designed for qualified individuals who have graduated from an accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Entry into the Masters of Arts in Teaching program or the Alternative Certification in Special Education program in the area of either elementary education or special education requires a combined score of 400 on the Miller Analogies Test or 675 on the Graduate Record Examination. For admittance, scores on these exams must be submitted upon completion of a student's sixth credit hour.

Passing scores on the exams must be submitted by the completion of twelve graduate hours. Candidates must have a transcript on file with the University's Registrar's Office and be accepted by the Graduate Admissions Committee for entry. This program in Special Education (LBD P-12) may be used as an Alternative Certification Program and requires 30 semester hours, depending upon individual needs.

All courses for Alternative Certification in Special Education may be taken online. The following courses are included in this program:

• SPED/SPOL 530 Issues & Trends in Programs in Special Education
• SPED/SPOL 531 Special Education Evaluation
• SPED/SPOL 532 Inclusive Classrooms: Strategies for Effective Instruction
• SPED/SPOL 533 Middle & Secondary School: Transitions
• SPED 534 Working with Parents of Children with Disabilities
• SPED/SPOL 535 Early Childhood Special Education
• SPED/SPOL 632 Consultation & Collaboration for Curriculum Design
• SPED/SPOL 635 Classroom & Behavior Management for Individuals with Disabilities
• SPED/SPOL 666 Advanced Practicum in Special Education
• REOL 531 Reading and Writing Foundations
• MAOL 531 Teaching Math to Learners with Disabilities

The Advanced Practicum in Special Education course (SPED/SPOL 666) replaces student teaching, and because these certification candidates are in the classroom, only 3 credit hours are required if satisfactory evaluations are received from supervisors/mentors.

The content for these courses is consistent with that of the on-campus courses by the same name.