Graduate Certificate in Low Incidence Disabilities for Paraprofessionals Curriculum Requirements
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Coursework
Practicum
Mentorship
Students take a major concentration of courses with a minimum of 35 credit hours of coursework designed to develop the knowledge base for effective teaching of learners with low-incidence disabilities. The program requires a 6-credit hour course (SPED 732) to be completed in the Summer of the first year. Students must earn a grade of B or better in SPED 732 to continue in the program. Students will then complete approximately 8-credit hours of courses in Fall and Spring semesters for two years. In the Fall semester of the first year, students will apply to KSDE for a Low Incidence Limited Residency License. You must meet the eligibility requirements (GPA, credit hours, employment as a paraprofessional), (2) be hired as a low-incidence special education teacher (Teacher of Record), (3) Continue to enroll in coursework from the program of study, and (4) Begin formal approved mentor program. All LRL students must complete the entire program within three years.
Program Curriculum
The LRL in low-incidence disabilities program provides students with opportunities to gain experience in real-world settings, including classrooms and other service delivery models with children and youth with and without disabilities. The program is created for working professionals – students will be full-time teachers and take courses in the evenings (5:00-7:30 PM) in Lawrence.
Course Requirements
Summer Year 1
Courses
Fall Year 1
Courses
Spring Year 1
Courses
Summer Year 2
Courses
Fall Year 2
Courses
Spring Year 2
Courses
Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling. Students not pursuing a master’s degree do not EPSY 715 or SPED 898.
Fall Year 1: SPED 775 (3 credits)
Spring Year 1: SPED 775 (3 credits)
Summer Year 2: EPSY 715 (Optional)
Fall Year 2: SPED 775 (3 credits)
Spring Year 2: SPED 898 (Optional)
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the most recent 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. The Department of Special Education reviews applications giving equal consideration of the applicant’s professional experiences and academic preparation as well as professional dispositions related to career paths that align with the program to which the individual is applying.
Application Deadlines
Scholarship Opportunity
The University of Kansas Department of Special Education invites applications for a federally funded personnel preparation program that provides tuition and a stipend to prepare successful paraprofessionals to earn a teaching license in low-incidence disabilities.
Application Checklist
LRL in Low-Incidence Special Education
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions.
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents, $85 for international applicants.
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended.
Application to student scholarship (optional)
Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply to receive funding.
Resume or CV
Professional resume describing past employment experiences, licensure(s) received, educational preparation, publications and presentations, professional association memberships, and other professional activities.
Letter of Introduction
Specify why Low-Incidence Disabilities is the area of emphasis within the Department of Special Education you have selected for concentration of study. Please be sure to fully address each of the following: (1) What are your career objectives related to improving outcomes for students with extensive and pervasive support needs in inclusive settings? (2) What is your current licensure/endorsement status (e.g., type of undergraduate degree, area of licensure, and other licensure or endorsement information)? (3) What experiences have you had working with people with disabilities, including those with extensive and pervasive support needs? (4) What experiences have you had as an advocate or ally for people with disabilities seeking more inclusive and strengths-based experiences and supports?
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Letters of recommendation
You will submit the names and email addresses when you apply online. The system will automatically email them requesting them to submit a letter of reference for you.
Proof of English proficiency
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options by clicking the link above for details.
Professional Disposition Assessment Acknowledgement Form (pdf)
Professional Disposition Assessment for Advanced Degree Candidates Acknowledgement Form
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Faculty
Elissa Lockman
Alison L. Zagona