Major code BS6316

Patton College of Education   
Department of Teacher Education  
Patton Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593-4400
specialeducation@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed/special-ed

Danielle Feeney, contact person
feeneyd@ohio.edu 

Program Overview

To receive a B.S.Ed. in Special Education and licensure as an Intervention Specialist, you must complete one of the professional preparation programs for teaching students with disabilities and receive passing scores on relevant Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) and a Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA). Students should also use the four-year plan in consultation with their advisor about scheduling as early as possible. The Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Multi-Age (PK-12), Special Education, and Foundations of Reading OAEs must be attempted prior to graduation and are needed for licensure upon graduation.  All licensure programs are subject to any changes in requirements as set forth by the Ohio Educator Licensure Board.

Please note: This is an Athens Campus-based program. Students may complete requirements for the first three semesters of the program at a regional campus, but must transfer to the Athens Campus by spring semester of their sophomore year in order to complete the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of CEC standards and accompanying Specialty Subsets.
• create an environment that is supportive of continuous improvement of K-12 student learning outcomes.
• model high professional expectations and ethical practice and create supportive environments that safeguard legal rights and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.
• produce written and oral quality communications directed to students, caregivers and other professionals.

Admissions Information

In addition to first-year admission, teacher candidates must meet additional requirements to continue in the program (see below for additional details):

• Admission to Teacher Candidacy (typically at the end of the first year)
• Admission to Advanced Standing (typically at the end of the second year)
• Admission to the Professional Internship (typically at the end of the third year)

Freshman/First-Year Admission

All students pursuing teacher education programs at Ohio University are subject to the Selective Admission and Retention Program in teacher education. Criteria and procedures are available in the Office of Student Affairs, Patton Hall.

Admission to Teacher Candidacy

Candidates must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy before taking any education courses numbered 2000 and above (Exception: EDCT 2030 ).

Generally, candidates apply for admission to Teacher Candidacy during the second semester of the first year. 

Requirements:

1. Completion of 30 semester credit hours with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. 
2. Completion of the Pre-Teacher Candidacy coursework as advised
3. Submission of test scores on one of the following assessments. Students only need to take and submit scores for one of the following tests, not all three.
   1. PRAXIS CORE (Academic Skills for Educators) Test.
   2. ACT
   3. SAT
4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D
5. New Transfer Students: Transfer CUM GPA may be considered towards Teacher Candidacy.

Admission to Advanced Standing

Candidates must be admitted to Advanced Standing before taking any Block 2 Special Education coursework. Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, as well as a 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is sought to continue the completion plan. Methods courses can be taken no more than twice. Failure to obtain a satisfactory grade can result in dismissal from the program.

Generally, candidates apply for Advanced Standing in Teacher Candidacy at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year. Athens campus students must attend a group meeting arranged by Patton College Office of Student Affairs, and regional campus students should check with Student Services or the dean’s office on the regional campus for information.

Requirements:

1. Completion of 60 semester credit hours with cumulative GPA of 2.75.
2. Cumulative 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is being sought.
3. Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each:
        a.    EDTE 2000 - Learning and Human Development  
        b.    EDTE 2010 - Characteristics of Learners with Exceptionalities   
        c.    EDTE 2020 - Field Experience in Education   
        d.    EDCS 2010 - Education and Cultural Diversity   
4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.

Admission to Professional Internship

During candidates’ final year in the program they will complete a Professional Internship of intensive field experiences in a grades K-12 classroom. Candidates must apply for admission to the Professional Internship by October 1 of the preceding year. The following requirements must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Internship (contact your advisor for additional details on the application process).

1. Apply for admission to the Professional Internship. Candidates must have a current BCI & FBI Background check and been recommended for the internship by a representative appointed by faculty.
2. Earn at least 90 hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Earn at least 2 semesters (30 hours) of residence at OU.
4. Complete all Educational Core coursework (exception: Language Arts Methods Courses) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a C (2.0) or higher in each course.
5. Have completed at least 75% of the Special Education Methods Coursework with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Transfer Admission

To obtain information specific to students seeking admission to the program as transfer students from another institution contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Change of Program Policy

To change or add your major/minor/certificate policy, contact the Office of Student Affairs, The Patton College of Education 740.593.4400.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Upon successful completion of this program and passing scores on the state licensing exams, individuals are eligible to hold K-12 public school teaching positions as an intervention specialist. Further, many individuals are qualified to work in agencies serving families, young children and those who provide services to adults with disabilities.

Requirements