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Administration

General Information

Advising

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Hawai'i Teacher Licensure Programs

Research Units

Center on Disability Studies

Curriculum Research and Development Group

Student Organizations

Honors and Scholarships

Curriculum Studies

Educational Administration

Educational Foundations

Educational Psychology

Educational Technology

Institute for Teacher Education

Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science

Special Education

Special Education

Wist 120
1776 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7956
Fax: (808) 956-4345
Web: coe.hawaii.edu/sped

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*A. A. Jenkins, PhD (Chair)—mild/moderate disabilities, content strategies, inclusive education, collaboration
*R. S. Black, EdD—mental retardation, transition, students at-risk, research design
*B. G. Cook, PhD—mild/moderate disabilities, inclusion, evidence-based practices, higher education and students with disabilities
*L. H. Cook, PhD—mild/moderate disabilities, inclusive education, collaboration
S. Cook, MEd—general special education, inclusion, co-teaching
*P. J. Edelen-Smith, EdD—mild/moderate disabilities, language/cognitive strategies, assessment, collaboration
S. Klein, MEd—mentoring special education teachers, general special education
S. M. Koegel, MEd—general special education
*D. McDougall, PhD—general special education, mild/moderate disabilities, behavior disorders
*W. D. Narkon, PhD—mild/moderate disabilities, learning disabilities, reading strategies
*M. J. Noonan, PhD—moderate and severe disabilities, autism, early intervention
*C. M. Ornelles. PhD—mild/moderate disabilities, students at risk, integration of services, collaboration
L. M. Oshita, MEd—learning disabilities, reading instruction, social skills
D. Paresa, PhD—mild/moderate disabilities, learning disabilities, general special education
*K. Rao, PhD—media, distance learning, assistive technology, culturally and linguistically diverse students
*R. J. Reed, PhD—teacher training, cultural diversity, language arts, recruitment and retention of special education teachers
A. E. Ruhaak, MA—mentoring special education teachers, general special education
M. Schmidt, PhD—education technology, technology for students with autism
M. D. Sheehey, MEd—mentoring special education teachers, general special education; severe/autism special education
P. E. Sheehey, MEd—mild/moderate disabilities, teacher preparation, multicultural education, autism
*P. H. Sheehey, PhD—families, moderate and severe disabilities, early intervention, autism
J. Siegel, MEd—general special education
*J. R. Skouge, EdD—media, assistive technology, family partnerships, cross-cultural education
*G. J. Smith, EdD—interdisciplinary team development, transition/career vocational special education, systems change
A. Soma, MEd, MSW—mentoring special education teachers, general special education
*R. A. Stodden, PhD—mental retardation, career/vocational special needs, adolescent/adult services
*J. C. Wells, PhD—autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, early childhood special education, mild/moderate disabilities

Degrees and Certificates Offered: Initial teacher licensure in general education and special education, MEd in special education, BEd dual teacher preparation in elementary/special education, post-baccalaureate preparation in special education

The Academic Program

Special education (SPED) is a component of general education. Its basic purpose is to assist individuals who do not benefit from traditional educational programs. Special educators teach and help others teach persons who have special learning needs. They individualize and adapt instruction to help individuals with special needs become independent and contributing members of society.

Faculty in the Department of Special Education prepare students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to work in both school and non-school settings. Professional roles include teacher, resource manager, consultant, infant specialist, and transition specialist. The program is field-based. On campus and statewide programs are offered.

Accreditations

The special education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC).

Advising

Advising of students in the undergraduate program is the responsibility of the Office of Student Academic Services, College of Education.

Upon acceptance to special education graduate and post-baccalaureate programs, students are assigned to a faculty advisor. Advisors review program requirements and progress, plan program course work, complete departmental preregistration forms for the next semester, and sign course registration materials. Program advisors may waive course work (based on courses taken previously) on an individual basis. Advisors have the responsibility of reviewing and individualizing students' programs to complement their needs. Advisors ensure that students have appropriate knowledge and applied skills to perform as competent special educators. Given this responsibility, advisors may require additional course work and/or practicum experience for certain students. Changes made in students' programs must be approved by their advisors.

Student Organizations

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)

The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) is an active organization open to anyone interested in special education. Chapter 78 at UH Manoa has received recognition by the International SCEC. SCEC members participate in professional development activities and sponsor special community projects. SCEC is an affiliate of the Council for Exceptional Children. For more information, call (808) 956-7956.

Undergraduate Study

BEd

The College of Education offers a program option within the BEd in the elementary program that culminates in initial teacher licensure in general elementary and special education. The optional program consists of 27 credit hours in special education, including 17 hours of supervised field experience, and one semester student teaching (as required for the BEd programs) in an educational setting with students identified as having disabilities.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcaa/programsheets/.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

The College of Education offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in special education for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in any field and desire licensure to teach special education. The program consists of 31 semester credit hours including 10 credit hours of supervised field experience. The PB-SPED program offers two special education teacher training options: (1) specialization in mild/moderate disabilities (mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders); or (2) severe/multiple disabilities and autism. Program sheets listing the specific course requirements for the post-baccalaureate programs are available in the College of Education's Office of Student Academic Services.

Admission Requirements

Admission is through the Office of Student Academic Services. Classified status in the College of Education is necessary for registration in the post-baccalaureate program. Program sheets listing the specific requirements are available in the Office of Student Academic Services. Students must fulfill all program requirements in effect for the semester in which they are admitted into the college.

All applicants to the post baccalaureate certificate in special education program will be evaluated competitively and considered for admission on the basis of a profile composed of the following criteria:

1. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited and UH Manoa recognized four-year institution of higher education.
2. Applicants must achieve minimal State passing scores in the reading, writing, and mathematics subtests on the PRAXIS.
3. A minimum post secondary cumulative GPA of 2.75.
4. Applicants must demonstrate oral and nonverbal communicative competence through the successful completion of an interview. Applicants must also demonstrate attitudes toward education, learners and themselves as prospective teachers that are compatible with the standards and curriculum of the program.
   Admission requirements are subject to change. Call the Office of Student Academic Services for updated information.

Graduate Study

Master’s Degree

The MEd program in special education offers interdisciplinary studies for candidates who wish to engage in a graduate course of study to meet individualized educational objectives in the field of special education. The MEd interdisciplinary program is a non-licensure 31 credit program and is available statewide.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the application form and official transcripts required by the Graduate Division, materials must also be sent directly to the department. These include (a) three letters of recommendation attesting to academic and professional strengths, and (b) unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work. An interview by the department's selection committee is required.

Requirements

The MEd in interdisciplinary studies/special education consists of a minimum of 31 credits, including 12 credits of required professional courses, and 12-15 credits in selected specialty areas. The specialty credits may be within special education or related areas (e.g., general education, psychology, social work, public health).
Both Plan A thesis and Plan B project are offered. Six credit hours of SPED 700 are required for Plan A, and additional work in statistical analysis and research design may be necessary. Plan B requires a master's paper/project and a minimum of 3 credits of SPED 695.

Graduates of the interdisciplinary studies option do not qualify for teacher licensure but may seek positions in related fields and services.

Doctoral Degree

The PhD program with a specialization in exceptionalities prepares professionals to work as leaders in the education and support of individuals who have unique needs, often due to disabilities. The field is broad, addressing life-span concerns and involving such services as advocacy, family support, community services, vocational training and support, and special education. Graduates of the program are expected to assume leadership roles addressing local, regional, national, and international issues related to research and higher education and/or program development and evaluation. The program varies in the number of credit hours required, depending upon the candidate's qualifications, and includes course work required by the college, the specialization area, and a cognate field. In addition, students may be required to complete course work in an emphasis area. At least one field internship and the dissertation are also required. See the section on graduate programs in the College of Education.

SPED Courses