Special Education

Concordia's Special Education programs are designed for candidates who hold a teaching license who would like to pursue either a Master of Education in Special Education or a Special Education Endorsement. We are now accepting applications for next semester!

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education

The M.Ed. in Special Education is a 33 semester hour program that blends the latest research-based classroom work, delivered by current practitioners, with hands-on clinical experiences under the guidance of experienced special education mentors in local area schools. This Special Education program has been approved by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. Candidates may apply and begin in fall, spring, or summer term. The program is offered on-campus or online. The program may be completed in six semesters, but a student is free to complete the program in a timeframe that fits their life and work schedule.

Special Education Endorsement: Early Childhood (ECE)/Elementary (ELE), or Middle Level (ML)/High School (HS)

The Special Education Endorsement is a 25 semester-hour program (27 if pursuing CTL) designed to provide educators with the knowledge base and classroom skills necessary to address the special learning needs of this population. The requirements for the endorsement program adhere to the same research-based classroom protocols and clinical experiences as are required in the Master's in Special Education program. Coursework is offered on-campus in a non-cohort model or online. Candidates can complete the program in five semesters.

Locations & Delivery:

On campus (Northeast Portland)
During the fall and spring semesters, classes are typically offered one night a week and last 15-16 weeks. Additional class options are available during the summer.

Online
Online classes are accelerated and are 5 weeks in length. Typically, a student may take up to three classes a semester.

Program Goals

M.Ed. candidates in Special Education will demonstrate:

  1. Skills in developing, implementing and assessing curricular and instructional plans that
    1. integrate disciplines
    2. apply current educational research findings
    3. encourage parental involvement
    4. consider students' current developmental levels
    5. and exhibit sensitivity to individual student differences and cultural backgrounds
  2. Skills in the application and integration of new technologies to enhance the teaching and learning processes
  3. Skills in the design, implementation, and presentation of an action research project or thesis developed expressly to improve classroom instruction and student learning outcomes
  4. Knowledge of and appreciation for the Christian perspective and its emphasis on service as a fundamental element of successful teaching, learning and administering
  5. Values, ethics, beliefs, and attitudes that achieve the educational goals of the state, district, and local school communities
  6. A desire to continue professional and leadership development in the education enterprise
These align well with the Accreditation Standards of the Council for Exception Children (CEC) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), that are articulated in section (n) below.

Why a Concordia University Education Degree?

At Concordia you will build supportive, collegial relationships. In our program you will

  1. Be known by name
  2. Enjoy comfortable class sizes
  3. Learn from a curriculum that is hands-on, research-based, and practical that ensures best preparation
  4. Be taught by practicing, experienced, licensed educators

Educating teachers has long been central to Concordia University's mission. Our objective is to prepare quality teachers who understand the demands of education: tremendous energy, creativity, commitment, and ultimately service to our children and to our families. Also, this Special Education program has been approved by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

M.Ed. in Special Education

EDGR 500: Professional Planning Seminar (1)
EDSP 510 or EDSP 511: Introduction to Special Education (3)
EDSP 522 or EDSP 523: Instructional Techniques & Interventions (Teaching students with significant disabilities and differentiating instruction) (3)
EDSP 524 or EDSP 528: Classroom Administration (Working with paraeducators, developcing IEP's, paperwork, scheduling, collaboration, working with parents, grant writing, etc.) (3)
EDSP 525 or EDSP 529: C&I - Math & Reading (3)
EDSP 526 or EDSP 527: Classroom Management (Classroom management/behavior issues) (3)
EDSP 572 or EDSP 573: SPED Assessment (3)
EDGR 601: Educational Research (3)
EDSP 622: The Law and the Student (3)
EDSP 598: Practicum (Mild to Moderate) (2)
EDSP 599: Practicum (Moderate to Severe) (2)
EDGR 698: Action Research (3)
EDGR 697: Professional Assessment Seminar (1)
Total Semester Hours: 33 hours

SPED Endorsement ECE/ELE

EDSP 510: Introduction to Special Education (3)
EDSP 522: Instructional Techniques & Interventions (Teaching students with significant disabilities and differentiating instruction) (3)
EDSP 524: Classroom Administration (Working with paraeducators, developing IEP's, paperwork, scheduling, collaboration, working with parents, grant writing, etc.) (3)
EDSP 525: C&I - Math & Reading (3)
EDSP 526: Classroom Management (Classroom management/behavior issues) (3)
EDSP 572: SPED Assessment (3)
EDSP 622: The Law and the Student (3)
EDSP 598: Practicum (Mild to Moderate) (2)
EDSP 599: Practicum (Moderate to Severe) (2)
Total Semester Hours: 25-27 hours
If candidate is using this to move to the Continuing Teaching License, then EDGR 500-Professional Planning Seminar (1), and EDGR 697 - Professional Assessment Seminar (1), must be added to the course of study.

SPED Endorsement ML/HS

EDSP 511: Introduction to Special Education (3)
EDSP 523: Instructional Techniques & Interventions (Teaching students with significant disabilities and differentiating instruction) (3)
EDSP 527: Classroom Management (Classroom management/behavior issues) (3)
EDSP 528: Classroom Administration (Working with paraeducators, developing IEP's, paperwork, scheduling, collaboration, working with parents, grant writing, etc.) (3)
EDSP 529: C&I - Math & Reading (3)
EDSP 573: SPED Assessment (3)
EDSP 622: The Law and the Student (3)
EDSP 598: Practicum (Mild to Moderate) (2)
EDSP 599: Practicum (Moderate to Severe) (2)
Total Semester Hours: 25-27 hours
If candidate is using this to move to the Continuing Teaching License, then EDGR 500-Professional Planning Seminar (1), and EDGR 697 - Professional Assessment Seminar (1), must be added to the course of study.