Program Coordinator
Ying Hui-Michael
401-456-8604
yhui@ric.edu
Program Description
Rhode Island College’s M.Ed. in Urban Multicultural Special Education is accredited both nationally and by RIDE. It has been recognized as one of the few well-established programs in the nation that focuses on preparing special education teachers to work with multilingual learners (MLLs). This program is designed for practicing PreK-12 special education teachers and teacher candidates in RIC’s Special Education B.S.-M.Ed. program to work with MLLs. The program offers an MLL endorsement, ESL certification and M.Ed. in Special Education. Program participants will explore the unique needs of MLLs from diverse background and apply sound theory-, research-, and evidence-based practices in teaching MLLs.
Admission and Course Information
Here we provide information on admission requirements, course requirements and course descriptions:
Admission and Course Requirements
Course Descriptions
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will have developed:
- knowledge of English language structures, language acquisitions, and the socio-cultural contexts in which English is learned as an additional language
- ability to design and implement standards-based ESL, literacy and content instruction
- ability to provide culturally and linguistically responsive practices in MTSS, special education evaluation (e.g., reducing overrepresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education) and IEP development
- ability to apply knowledge of school, district, and governmental policies and legislation to advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse students
- professional dispositions to interact with culturally and linguistically diverse students, families, community members, and their colleagues
MLL Endorsement Pathways
- Pathway for RIC’s Special Education B.S. program students: SPED 451 (3 credits) and SPED 453 (4 credits).
- Pathway for RIC’s Special Education M.Ed. program students (SPED Cert. Early Childhood SPED, SID, Exceptional Needs): SPED 551 (3 credits) and SPED 553 (3 credits).
- Pathway for in-service special education teachers: Register SPED 551 (3 credits) and SPED 553 (3 credits) as a non-degree student.
ESL Certification Pathway
In-service special education teachers and RIC’s Special Education B.S.-M.Ed. program teacher candidates can complete a Rhode Island ESL certificate and Special Education M.Ed. in four semesters.
ESL Certification Course Requirements:
- SPED 451: Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Exceptionality
Or
- SPED 551: Introduction to Urban Multicultural Special Education (3 credits)
- SPED 552: Dual Language Development and Intervention (3 credits)
- SPED 453: Content-Based ESL Instruction for Exceptional Students (4 credits)
Or
- SPED 553: Content-Based ESL Instruction for Exceptional Students (3 credits)
- SPED 554: Applied Linguistics for Exceptional MLLs (3 credits)
- SPED 555: Literacy for MLLs with Special Needs (4 credits)
- SPED 557: Assessing MLLs with Special Needs (3 credits)
- SPED 654: Internship in Urban Multicultural Special Education (3 credits)
Additional Requirements to Complete the M.Ed. in Special Education:
- SPED 648: Interpreting and Developing Research in Special Education (3 credits)
- SPED 534: Involvement of Families in Special Education (3 credits)
- SPED 655: Capstone Study in Urban Multicultural Special Education (2 credits)