Special Education: Academic and Behavioral Strategist

Policies

Incoming and Transfer Student Orientation. Orientation makes a significant difference in a student’s success and persistence in college. All new and transfer students are required to attend an orientation program before registering for classes. The College of Education Student Relations Coordinator conducts the Academic Success session. This session includes explanation of general education and general education coursework required for program, cultural diversity requirements, academic performance, and assignment of program advisors. Students are accompanied to a registration lab to complete their upcoming term schedule. 

Transfer Credit Evaluation. Evaluation of prior academic course work will be based on evidence presented through (a) transcripts, (b) course syllabi, (c) course description. Students have a right to appeal this decision.

Admission to the Special Education Program

Undergraduate Major Coordinator: Sean Wachsmuth

In order to apply for the Special Education Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) program: Apply online at ed.mnsu.edu/sped/

Admission to Professional Education

Coordinator of Admission to Professional Education, Mymique Baxter, 117 Armstrong Hall 

Mankato Program

Students working toward a teaching degree must be admitted to Professional Education during their first semester in the program to allow continued registration.

1. Minimum of 40 earned semester credits
2. Minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA
3. Evidence of registration for the MTLE Basic Skills Exams
4. Completion of MATH 201, HLTH 240, and CDIS 205 or HLTH 210

Program Continuance. The Special Education Department will monitor block entrance and continuance in program. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in Program coursework. 

Admission to Student Teaching. Student teaching at Minnesota State University, Mankato is a performance-based, 16-week program, requiring the demonstration of an acceptable level of performance in the areas of planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professionalism. Multiple methods of assessment are used and evidence is collected to assess the student teacher’s skills and dispositions. These methods include direct observations of teaching activities by cooperating teachers and university faculty, the use of videotaped lessons and activities for self-assessment, participation in online activities, and participation in activities reflective of the professional responsibilities of teachers (e.g., parent conferences). The Office of Field and International Experience (OFIE) requests placements for all student teachers in partner districts. Application materials are available in 119 Armstrong Hall.

Admission to the student teaching experience is contingent upon completion of:

1. General Ed and Diverse Cultures program requirement
2. a grade point average of 3.0, grades of “C” or better for all major coursework 
3. admittance to Professional Education
4. all methods and professional education course work 
5. formal application materials one year prior to student teaching semester (obtain specific dates from 119 Armstrong Hall) 
6. attendance at all preliminary student teaching meeting(s) 
7. submission of scores on the Basic Skills Exams 
8. recommendation of advisor 
9. approval of placement by school district administration and cooperating teacher, OFIE, and completion of Minnesota State University, Mankato and district-approved background checks.

Teacher Licensure Coordinator. Marisel Riquelme, 118 Armstrong Hall 

The University recommends licensure upon satisfactory completion of a licensure program. Licensure does not occur automatically through graduation and the awarding of a diploma. Students need to apply for a Minnesota teaching license at the close of the term in which they graduate. The College of Education, 118 Armstrong Hall, coordinates the licensure process. In addition to meeting all program requirements, the Basic Skills exam(s) (e.g. ACT Plus Writing, MTLE, NES, SAT, GRE) need to be successfully completed along with the Pedagogy and Content examinations. Minnesota State Law requires that all individuals applying for initial licensure in this state be fingerprinted for national background checks. A conduct review statement will need to be completed and signed. There is a fee for the criminal background check and a fee for the issuance of a State of Minnesota teaching license.

Application for Graduation. No special departmental activities are required of students in this major for graduation. Students must follow the university procedure for application for graduation. See front section of this catalog for the steps in this process and the corresponding timelines

Clinical Experiences. A major component of professional education coursework involves clinical experiences in schools. Multiple methods of assessment are used to document competencies. The successful completion of each clinical experience is necessary for progression in the program. All clinical placements are arranged by the Office of Field and International Experience.

Background Checks. Students involved in any clinical experience undergo a background check once per academic year to assess misdemeanor and felony conviction records maintained at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This information is provided to districts for their determination of suitability. The Office of Field and International Experience coordinates the background check process.

GPA Policy. All non-clinical courses that make up the program must be taken on a graded basis. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn at least a “C” in all major coursework for program continuance.