Program of Study
The multiple disabilities specialization prepares teachers to work with deaf and hard of hearing students with disabilities such as mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavior problems, physical disabilities, or visual disability. The noncategorical preparation addresses needs of students with multiple disabilities across a range of developmental levels and ages. Graduates may obtain positions as teachers in self-contained classes, resource rooms, or as itinerant teachers for students with multiple disabilities, working in day or residential programs in mainstream or special school settings. The course of study in this specialization leads to state licensure in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (K-12) and Council of Education of the Deaf (CED) certification in Multiple Disabilities.
Program Requirements
To complete the M.A. degree in the teacher preparation program, students must satisfy the following requirements.
- Completion of graduate degree requirements, as described in the appropriate section of the catalog.
- Successful completion (grade of B or better) of all academic and practicum requirements specified by the Department of Education. Prerequisite coursework for each specialization should be completed prior to the beginning of Practicum II.
- Successful completion of student teaching or internship (grade of "B" or better). All required coursework must be successfully completed prior to the start of student teaching or internship.
- A minimum of one year of full-time enrollment in the program (usually the last year) is necessary to complete the master's degree program in teacher preparation due to practicum requirements and the integration of these with coursework. Although students may begin the program on a part-time basis, they cannot obtain the master's degree in the teacher preparation program through part-time study only.
- Gallaudet University American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (GU-ASLPI) rating of 2+ prior to advancing to candidacy and beginning the second year of graduate study.
Typical Program
The M.A. teacher preparation program is designed to be completed in two academic years, excluding summers. Students are strongly encouraged to take sign language or other prerequisite coursework during the summer prior to beginning the program, however. In addition, some students may elect to take courses during the summer between the two years to lighten the course load during the academic year or to meet American Sign Language proficiency requirements.
Students must satisfactorily complete a prescribed course of study for the multiple disabilities specialization. The program typically consists of coursework in the following areas (credit hours indicated in parentheses are approximate):
education and deafness (3);
nature and needs of students with multiple disabilities (3);
audiology and speech development (6);
American Sign Language (9);
language development (10);
curriculum and instruction for students with multiple disabilities (15);
working with families (3);
research and foundations in education (6);
practicum (10)
Total 63-65 Credits
Copies of the complete sequence of required courses for the multiple disabilities specialization are available from the department.
Prerequisite Coursework (or other evidence of knowledge in each area) for Multiple Disabilities Specialization
Child or Adolescent Psychology (or Development), OR Developmental Psychology
Introduction to Special Education
General Psychology
Educational Psychology OR Learning Theory
Foundations of Education
Curriculum Development
Instructional Methods (a minimum of 6 credits covering language arts, children's literature, mathematics, science, and social studies)
Instructional Development
Educational Technology, OR Media Production
Methods of Teaching Reading
World Literature
Art
Philosophy
Mathematics (6 credits college- level)
Science (6 credits college-level)
Social Sciences (12 credits, including one course in world history or cultures and one course in American history)
Deaf Culture (a course, demonstrated experience, or participation in Gallaudet's "Culture and Language Colloquium")
Sign Language (2 semesters or demonstrated proficiency)
Practicum
An integral part of the multiple disabilities specialization is the practicum undertaken during four semesters of the program. Supervision and coordination with the campus-based coursework facilitate the development of instructional and management competencies in each practicum. The practica are developmental both in terms of the amount of time in the field, which ranges from 42-60 hours the first semester to 350 hours the fourth semester, and the increased responsibility and skill level required of the students. Many practicum facilities are used to provide students with a variety of experiences in settings of different types and with students with different developmental levels, combinations of disabilities, and ages. Programs frequently used in the Washington, D.C., area include the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (on the Gallaudet University campus), the Maryland School for the Deaf, and day schools, classes, resource rooms, and itinerant placements in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Prince George's County, Maryland, public schools. In addition, students may be placed in programs out of the area for their final 10-week, full-time student teaching placement.
Students should also be prepared to pay for security clearance checks when these are required by a school. These security checks cost approximately $40-$50.
