Master’s in high incidence disabilities practicum experience

For classroom educators pursuing an endorsement or a license to teach as a special educator, KU’s online programs include two required practicum experiences incorporating intensive fieldwork and direct teaching experiences. In addition to meeting requirements for supervised field experience, the practicum allows you to apply what you are learning in your online graduate program in a classroom environment, while receiving real-time feedback that makes you a more effective educator.

KU’s high-incidence special education practica are integrated components of your graduate program, designed to be completed within your existing school environment. (If you are not currently teaching, you will need to seek out a practicum placement in a local school district.) Each practicum is 16-weeks in length (two minimesters) and is worth 3 credits. Students typically take one or two additional 3-credit minimester courses at the same time as practicum.

Learning online and receiving coaching over the Internet will enable you to develop skills and effectiveness as a special educator. You will be surprised at how quickly you develop a trusting relationship with your university supervisor when the technology is in place. These practica provide you with the opportunity to apply what you have learned to serve students with disabilities. You will receive guidance, support and feedback from a mentor teacher on site, and you will also use the latest online technology to demonstrate your teaching to your university supervisor.

KU SPED’s secure, online platform not only allows you to experience personalized and specific feedback on your teaching; it allows you to go back and watch yourself in action. Several times during the semester, you will video yourself in formal or informal teaching situations and upload the video to the course. On these videos, you and your instructor will be able to mark specific moments in the video and add comments. Wondering what when wrong and why? Or what went so well, so you can do it again? Our interactive video technology offers you the opportunity to see yourself as never before.

Of course, there is much more to our high incidence practica than videos. You will complete several types of assignments across the two practica, which will allow you to apply what you have learned in your classes to your real life situations. These will involve lesson planning, collaboration, assessment, IEP analysis, self-determination, and more. Formats for your assignments might include formal papers, reflective journals, and group discussions.

Special Education Masters Practicum

IMPORTANT DATES

DEC
16
Application Deadline
December 16
Spring 2025 Term
JAN
13
Next Start
January 13
Spring 2025 Term

EVENTS