Special Education, M.A.T. (Alternative Certification)
This route to the M.A.T. and teacher certification is for candidates accepted into one of NLU’s alternative certification partner programs. Candidates in these programs teach in Chicago Public Schools while completing their certification coursework.
Students working for this certification hold a one-year PROVISIONAL certificate during the first year. After completing certified courses and a year-long internship, they receive an ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATE.
Teachers may apply for a Special Education, LBS I (Type 10) after four years of teaching.
In addition to National College of Education Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:
- Pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)
- Pass the Content Test in LBSI
- Pass the Special Education General Curriculum Test
- Note: The written statement and references are waived
This degree requires:
MAT Core - 9 SH
| EPS511 | Human Learning and Development in Instructional Contexts | |
| ESR514 | Research in Action: Becoming Practitioner Researchers | |
| FND510 | Social Justice Perspectives on the History and Philosophy of American Education | |
Program Requirements - 34-37 SH
| SPE500 | Introduction to Exceptional Children and Adolescents/Special Education | |
| SPE507 | Social/Emotional Development and Teaching and Support | |
| SPE509 | Clinical Literacy | |
| SPE501 | Educational and Diagnostic Assessment of Exceptional Children and Adolescents | |
| SPE523 | Diagnosis and Remediation of Math Disabilities/Special Education | |
| SPE527 | Individualized Curriculum and Instruction | |
| SPE502 | Language Development and Challenges in Children and Adolescents | |
| SPE508 | Critical Literacy for Students with Disabilities | |
| SPE503 | Collaborative and Consultative Teaming and Teaching | |
| SPE506 | Frameworks and Perspectives in Special Education | |
| SPE545 | Assistive Technology | |
| SPE592C | Practicum/Teaching Children and Adolescents with Special Needs | |
Note: SPE 500 can be waived per advisor.
The following courses are required for certification.
Alternative Certification candidates may become certified prior to completion of the M.A.T. degree, and have six years from the beginning of coursework to complete the degree. Candidates are strongly advised to complete the degree.
| SPE500 | Introduction to Exceptional Children and Adolescents/Special Education | |
| SPE501 | Educational and Diagnostic Assessment of Exceptional Children and Adolescents | |
| SPE502 | Language Development and Challenges in Children and Adolescents | |
| SPE507 | Social/Emotional Development and Teaching and Support | |
| SPE508 | Critical Literacy for Students with Disabilities | |
| SPE509 | Clinical Literacy | |
| SPE523 | Diagnosis and Remediation of Math Disabilities/Special Education | |
| SPE527 | Individualized Curriculum and Instruction | |
| SPE592C | Practicum/Teaching Children and Adolescents with Special Needs | |