Program Length
The Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Special Education programs are 21-credit-hour programs. Most students complete the program over the course of one year (three terms) of part-time study (more than four credits but fewer than nine credits per term).
Course Overview
See the AY20-21 Certificate/Advanced Certificate in Special Education Course Overview for a listing of courses by term and details about the topics and skills taught in each course. Please note that there may be some campus variation within courses and programs.
Program Components
Scope and Sequence
The scope and sequence of the program is designed to ensure that students develop specialized skills and knowledge in a logical and meaningful way. For this reason, most coursework is taught in weekly sessions by the full-time Relay faculty member who is the student’s advisor. Weekly sessions build on prior knowledge and establish the foundation for increasing rigor and complexity across the year. Additional sessions may be taught on Saturdays by adjunct instructors.
Intervention Intensive
Effective teachers of exceptional learners have the ability to assess and address an individual student with precision and intentionality. To provide sufficient practice in this skill, students will provide one-on-one intervention to a student for the entirety of the program. Teachers’ work with their PK–12 students will directly relate to courses in the scope and sequence. Faculty will observe teachers during their one-on-one interventions in order to provide formative feedback and evaluate progress.
Professionalism
As teachers, students work with their PK–12 students to build the academic skills and strength of character necessary for them to succeed in college and life. To do this work with integrity, each teacher must embody the same standards that they set for PK–12 students. For additional details, see “Professionalism.”
Classroom Observations
To see firsthand how students are progressing as teachers, faculty members will observe students’ classrooms several times over the course of the program. Faculty members’ expectations for these observations will become more complex as the students progress through their time at Relay. Observations may be used for course assessment and/or to meet requirements for certification. For additional details, see “Classroom Observations.”
Special Education Capstone
As a final assessment, all students will reflect on the one-on-one work they have done in the intervention intensive and advocate for a specific revision to their student’s educational program. This written analysis and reflection, combined with a presentation to both peers and faculty, is an opportunity to synthesize the learning the student has done across the year.