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Special Education Endorsement

 


Why a Special Education Endorsement?


Students learn in a wide variety of ways. For special needs students, an effective learning environment can look very different from a standard classroom. Learning Behavior Specialists ensure that every child is given the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and on a personal level. You too can make a lasting, positive change in a special needs student’s life when you earn your Special Education Endorsement from McKendree University.

McKendree’s graduate program leading to a Special Education Endorsement combines theory and practical experience to prepare you for a career as a Learning Behavior Specialist. You’ll learn from our skilled faculty, whose real-world experience working in Special Education gives you a firsthand glimpse into this fulfilling career field. The online Special Education Endorsement is geared toward teachers holding a current professional educator license. Students who add this endorsement will receive an LBS1 for the K-22 grade range.  

 

 


Curriculum Requirements


The following online courses are offered for the Special Education Endorsement:

SPE 405/505 - Instruction of Diverse Learners (3 hours)

SPE 690 - Characteristics of Students with Disabilities (3 hours)

SPE 592 - Assessment and Progress Monitoring in Special Education (3 hours)

SPE 594 - Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities (3 hours)


In order to receive the Special Education Endorsement, you must meet the following criteria:

    • Current Professional Educator License

    • Completion of coursework in the below areas:


      • Survey of the Exceptional Child

      • General Characteristics of Children with Disabilities within the LBS1 scope

      • General Methods for Teaching Children with Disabilities within the LBS1 scope

      • Psychological Assessment of Children with Disabilities with the LBS1 scope

    • Passing score on Learning Behavior Specialist Test (LBS1)

    • Completion of any deficiencies in tests or coursework

 

 

 

Online Format


McKendree’s Special Education Endorsement classes are offered online in an eight-week or 16-week format. Specifically designed for teachers, they enable you to swiftly meet your educational goals while managing a full-time teaching job.

 

 

 

Allison Cassens Scholarship

 

The Allison Cassens Community Foundation makes scholarshp funds available for Special Education Endorsement. The scholarship honors the life and legacy of the late Allison Cassens, daughter of Linda and the late Allen Cassens of Edwardsville. Allison was a teacher, an internationally competitive swimmer, a pilot and a flight instructor who lost her battle with cancer in 2004 at the age of 33. Please apply for the Special Education Endorsement to receive the scholarship application. 

 

Admission Requirements

 

McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following documentation is required for consideration of admission:

1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).

2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.


All students taking endorsement coursework will be classified as non-degree seeking. Alternative loan options are available, but Federal Financial Aid, as a non-degree seeking, does not qualify.

 

 


Key Faculty


Photo of Dr. Karee NasserDr. Karee Nasser

Piper Academic Center (PAC) 207
(618) 537-6552
[email protected]