Special Education PreK-8 (MEd)
The Master of Education: Special Education seeks to train students from a philosophical basis which reflects a biblical worldview to serve as teachers in Special Education in public and private schools. In order to earn the MEd, each student must complete the professional courses and field placements for a total of 39 credits in the program. Additionally, students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation. In order to be eligible for a PA Instructional I certification in Special Education (PreK-8), the student must hold a current PA Instructional I or II certification in Grades PK-4, Grades 4-8, Reading Specialist PK-12, or any PK-12 area.
The MEd: Special Education (PreK-8) is a blended program with courses containing online and face-to-face components. Students can complete the program in 2 ½ years taking classes during the fall, spring, and summer. Summer classes meet in a one-week intensive format. Students will need to complete 6 credits of field placement in inclusive settings with at least one placement in a public school: Apprenticeship I (120 hours) and Apprenticeship II (6 weeks). The field placement coordinator will aid students in locating appropriate field placements.
Degree: Master of Education
Certification: PA Instructional I - Special Education (PreK-8)
** To be recommended for certification, students must have a PA Instructional I or II certification in Grades PK-4, Grades 4-8, Reading Specialist PK-12, or any PK-12 area.
** For students, not holding a PA certification, they will not be eligible for PreK-8 Special Education certification. If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete 9 credits in meeting the needs of diverse learners and 3 credits in ELL, unless waived by the Program Coordinator.
Program Objectives
1 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners. The special education teacher candidate will synthesize assessment data to design individual educational plans for students.
2 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment. The special education teacher candidate will design appropriate least-restrictive learning environments for students.
3 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by
a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication,
b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies,
c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures,
d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning,
e) adherence to a student’s individualized education plan.
4 - The teacher candidate will demonstrate professionalism by
a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines,
b) maintaining accurate records,
c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally,
d) reflecting on his/her own practice, and
e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community
f) applying knowledge of transition plans for students with special needs to ensure learner growth and advance the profession.
5 - The teacher candidate will integrate a biblical worldview. The teacher candidate will demonstrate a biblical worldview is his/her personal and professional life.
Locations Offered: Lancaster
Admission, Retention, Graduation
Acceptance into the Master’s degree program at Lancaster Bible College is consistent with the general admissions policy at the College. Individuals requesting entrance into any of the teacher certification programs must fulfill all the college admissions requirements. Individuals transferring with some credits who wish to obtain certification through Lancaster Bible College must follow the standard admissions policies of the College and consult with the Certification Officer to establish a course of study that will result in recommendation for certification. The number of transfer credits accepted, plus the date the transfer credits were completed, will be considered by the Certification Officer in conjunction with the Program Coordinator. Up to 9 graduate level credits can be transferred.
Admissions to MEd Special Education
- Official transcript of a Bachelor’s degree in Education or its equivalent
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution *
- A valid Pennsylvania certificate at a minimum level of Instructional I (Grades PK-4, Grades 4-8, Reading Specialist PK-12, or any PK-12 instructional area) must be submitted during admissions.**
- Recent (within 1 year of admissions) Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances.
- Two references from individuals who can speak of the candidate’s abilities in the classroom
- Completed MEd application form and submission of required application credentials
https://www.lbc.edu/capital/admissions/
- Personal interview with the Program Director
Application Deadlines:
- August 1 for Fall Semester start
- December 1 for Spring semester start
- April 1 for summer semester start
*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program.
** For graduate students, not holding a PA certification, they will not be eligible for PreK-8 Special Education certification. If they desire to enter the program to earn the degree only without certification, they will need to complete 9 credits in meeting the needs of diverse learners and 3 credits in ELL.
Current LBC undergraduate students, already admitted into Teacher Certification Studies, who wish to apply will go through the admissions process the semester following their completion of 45 credits. Applications for these students must be completed and submitted by April 19 (Fall start) and November 11 (Spring start).
Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as nonmatriculating students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Nonmatriculating Application and the adequacy of class space. If at a later time the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through the formal application process. Granting credit for courses taken while a nonmatriculating student is not automatic. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual basis.
Upon review of application materials, prospective students will be contacted by the Program Coordinator regarding their admission.
Retention in MEd Special Education
- Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
The criteria for retention are reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Should the GPA fall below a 3.0 during the first three courses, the student is considered on probation for any certification. The student must meet with the advisor to determine a plan to raise the GPA to the minimum level. Student study groups and adjustment to schedules may help to restore the required grade levels. Further matriculation for the degree alone may also be in jeopardy.
If at the completion of the 4th course, the student has not raised the GPA, then the student will receive notice of academic dismissal. When students are academically dismissed, they have the right to appeal for reinstatement if they believe there were extenuating circumstances involved. The appeal must be written and submitted to the Education Department chair within 30 days of receiving the letter of dismissal. The appeal will be considered by the Education Department Chair in conjunction with the Provost. Decisions are final.
Eligibility to enter Apprenticeship I
- Successful formal admission and retention in the MEd Special Education program
- Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
- Renewed Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances (within 6 months)
- TB test (within 6 months)
- Proof of Liability Insurance
- Completion of all graduate courses excluding Teacher’s Life & Work and Action Research
- In good standing with Lancaster Bible College
Exit Criteria - Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification
- Completion of all program requirements and field placement requirements
- Conferral of degree(s)
- A minimum of a satisfactory rating (1) in each of the 4 categories on the Pennsylvania Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE-430). There must be 2 final forms. A minimum total of at least 4 points must be achieved on the final summative rating in order to be recommended for certification. The PDE-430 is completed by the college supervisor.
- Successful completion of required certification tests (PECT). See appendix.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
- Submitted application to TIMS for PA teacher certification. See appendix.
- The recommendation of the LBC Certification Officer
Program Completion
The program must be completed in a maximum of five years. If a student wishes to temporarily withdraw from a program, the student must notify the Program Director in writing. If a student needs an extension to continue the program after the five years, a written request must be submitted to the advisor and Program Director.
Academic Advising
Students will be assigned an advisor to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Advisors are available for in-person and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. Additionally, the handbook contains advisement sheets. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and advisor regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met. Prior to Apprenticeship I and II, the Program Director will audit the student’s file to ensure completion of necessary requirements for graduation and certification.
Continuous Enrollment
Even though students are part-time, continuous enrollment is expected. It is understood that extenuating circumstances occur which may prevent a student from enrolling in a given semester. However, this should be viewed as the exception in order to complete the program. Should a student not enroll for twelve months, he/she will be placed on non-student status and will need to reapply.
Faculty
Master’s Degree Coordinator
Julia Hershey, MEd, Doctoral Candidate
Certification Officer, Field Placement Coordinator
Robert Dodson, EdD
Resident Faculty
Diane Dick, PhD
Robert Dodson, EdD
Julia Hershey, MEd, Doctoral Candidate
Stacey Martin, EdD
Adjunct Faculty
E. Penny Clawson, EdD
Leslie Schmucker, MEd
M. Raluca Snyder, EdD
Curricular Structure
* Students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation.
Biblical and Theological Studies Courses (1 credit each)
BTC 551 The Biblical Narrative
BTC 561 Biblical Interpretation
BTC 571 Introduction to Christian Theology
BTC 581 Christianity in the Contemporary World
Professional Core
| EDU 519 | Foundations & Framework for Learning | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Socio-Cultural Perpectives on Education | 3 |
| EDU 560 | Teacher's Life and Work | 3 |
| EDU 598 | Seminar in Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 599 | Project in Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Program Courses
| SPE 501 | Assessment and Special Education Processes | 3 |
| SPE 502 | Meeting the Needs of Students with Autism & Behavioral Disorders | 3 |
| SPE 503 | Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities & Intellectual Disabi | 3 |
| SPE 504 | Teaching Students with Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 505 | Professionalism, Ethical Practices and Collaboration | 3 |
| EDU 526 | Diagnostic Reading Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 570 | Apprenticeship I | 3 |
| EDU 585 | Apprenticeship II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |