SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR

Students interested in working as a special educator in public school settings with children Pre-Kindergarten (integrated preschools) through Grade 8 can pursue a major in Special Education. The Special Education major prepares students to teach all subject areas to children in inclusive settings as well as substantially separate classrooms. In accordance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this career path also requires completion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

Overview:

• The Special Education major provides a broad liberal arts background rich in content and supports the content-specific regulations from the MA DESE.

• Students must pass both subtests (Reading and Writing) of the Communication Literacy Skills Test (CLST) as a requirement for being accepted to the Special Education major.

• Students must also pass three additional MTEL exams: Foundations of Reading Test (FOR) and the Elementary content specific test, General Curriculum (03). The General Curriculum MTEL (03) is comprised of a Multi-subject subtest and a Mathematics subtest.

• A passing score on the Elementary Mathematics MTEL (53) will also satisfy the Mathematics subtest requirement.

• Students must pass ALL required MTEL exams by December 1st of the senior year in order to enroll in full practicum/student teaching. An alternative pathway to a Major in Community Education is available at this junction and a 9th semester practicum completion plan may be elected.

• Once a student has successfully completed all college, program/major, and MTEL testing requirements the student may apply to DESE for an Initial License.

INSTITUTIONAL PASS RATES: Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

Title II, Section 207 of the Higher Education Act requires all institutions with teacher preparation programs that enroll students who receive federal financial assistance to prepare annual reports on teacher preparation and licensing. Curry College had a 100% pass rate for all program completers during the 2020- 2021 reporting year. Information about Curry pass rates is available upon request by contacting the Licensure Officer/Title II Coordinator, (617) 333-2196.

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure are administered Monday-Saturday at designated test centers in Massachusetts and in many states each academic year. Additional information regarding all state testing is available through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Educator Licensure 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148-9140; Telephone: (781) 338-6600; www.mtel.nesinc.com. For additional information about Curry College’s testing requirements, please contact Curry College Licensure Officer at 617-333-2196.