Special Education Leadership, Graduate Certificate (CERT)

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership is designed to educate students in the concepts of leading and administering PreK–12 special education programs (i.e., special education and related services including accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids, and services tailored to meet the needs of special education students). Students will gain knowledge of instructional leadership of special populations, for example the management of special education services, compliance processes, and collaboration among school staff or teams. Students will learn to create partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations that support special education students. Students will also learn to develop and communicate goals for special education program improvement. The certificate program will educate students in the federal and state laws impacting special education in PreK-12 settings. Graduates will be able to lead special education programs, analyze and develop strategies to address problems in special education programs, and work with special education teachers and staff in PreK-12 school settings. 

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership will require 12 credit hours. All students will be required to complete an action research project. The action research project provides students with an opportunity to practice the leadership competencies learned in the coursework.