Outcomes of the Doctoral Program
Foundations
- Analyze, synthesize, and apply extant research and literature.
- Understand issues and trends in special education.
- Understand law and policy as it relates to special populations.
- Practice within professional codes of ethics.
- Understand the cultural and linguistic differences in special populations.
- Explain the historical development of special education and its relationship to regular education.
- Articulate a philosophy of education of special populations.
- Understand the role of technology in programs for special populations.
- Understand funding of programs and services for special populations in relationship to societal values.
- Understand the medical aspects of disabilities.
- Understand normal and atypical development.
- Understand the influence of age, severity, and exceptionality on the placement of students in various program models.
Research
- Understand and design research using a variety of methodologies.
- Design Research Proposals
- Identify and use appropriate statistics and measurement tools to conduct research.
- Conduct collaborative and independent research.
- Disseminate research findings through scholarly writing, presentations, and other forms of dissemination.
- Design and initiate a cohesive, longitudinal plan of research.
Teacher Education
- Develop teacher education programs to prepare special educators.
- Design and evaluate practical programs to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities.
- Demonstrate skills in planning and implementing professional development programs for adults.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills of effective teaching models.
- Demonstrate skills for developing a collaborative ethic involving all constituents involved in education, including parents, schools, government agencies, service agencies, and employers.
- Prepare adults to understand, use, and apply research results in practical settings.
Program Development and Evaluation
- Describe the major approaches and purposes for program development.
- Design and implement program evaluation.
- Identify and use community resources for effective program development and evaluation.
- Use current service delivery models and curriculum models for special populations.
- Demonstrate effective consultation/collaboration and management skills.