Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is designed to prepare students to become experts in the implementation of MTSS. It provides the opportunity to improve student achievement and reduce problem behavior by accurately identifying students’ needs through comprehensive assessment and then providing evidenced-based interventions in academic and behavior supports.  MTSS also provides academic and behavioral support to students who might be at risk of school failure, including facilitating the identification of and intervention for students who may have disabilities.  The goal and purpose of MTSS is to create a positive school climate that supports the academic, behavioral, and social needs of all students through forms of disciplined inquiry and data-informed decision-making.

Students will obtain the skills necessary to make databased decisions for students and be able to implement MTSS to facilitate evidence-based behavior and academic learning in the classroom setting.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below. The certificate is available online only.

Admission

An applicant to the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) program must:

1. Submit both departmental and University application forms.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and competence or potential to implement MTTS.
3. Submit a statement of professional goals that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the certificate and the goals that the emphasis area will help him/her attain.
4. Have access to high-speed internet and appropriate technologies.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indicators of a high probability of success. The following factors are significant in determining admission to the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS):

1. A grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in the last two years of all undergraduate and graduate courses.
2. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a school or other educational setting.
3. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the degree program.
4. A test of English proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Admission to the program is competitive and subject to space and availability. Not all students who meet the above requirements will be admitted.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

The certificate program is available only online. Students must complete 15 credits from the following:

1.	All of the following courses (12 credits):
	CEP	802A	Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Special Education I: Mild Impairment						3
	CEP	803A	Assessment of Students with Mild Disabilities						3
	CEP	804B	Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation for Students with Literacy Disabilities						3
	CEP	809	Data-Driven Instruction within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support						3
2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
	CEP	841	Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom						3
	CEP	844	Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers						3
3.	Completion of a final evaluation.