SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR

Students pursuing a special education major may choose one of two tracks. One leading to teacher of moderate disabilities in public schools and the other leading to Applied Behavior Analysis Technician/RBT Technician.

Track One: DESE Licensed Moderate Disabilities Teacher, Grades PreK-8

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 in Track One 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 at the time of application in the sophomore year.

• Students in Track One must also pass three additional MTEL exams: Foundations of Reading Test (190; FOR) and the Elementary content specific tests, General Curriculum (78). The General Curriculum MTEL (78) is comprised of a Multi-subject subtest in Language Arts and History/Social Science (178) and a Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering (278) subtest.

• Students in Track One must pass ALL required MTEL exams by December 1st of the senior year in order to enroll in the full DESE practicum/student teaching. 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 and be endorsed by the college for their 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 2021- 2022 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 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.

Registered Behavior Technician Track

Curry College offers a track within the Special Education major in Applied Behavior Analysis, leading to a national credential as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).  This track prepares students as Special Education Paraprofessionals/Behavior Technicians, who teach and support both an academic and life skills curriculum all in the context of facilitating the development of behavioral and emotional skills.

The RBT certification process includes the acquisition of specific skills that are measured during the field experiences and a written knowledge test leading to the RBT credential. The RBT certification is recognized by public school settings, community-based clinical settings and ABA supports delivered in home-based settings.

Students in track two will take classes to support instruction and differentiation in literacy and mathematics across age ranges through Grade 8. Specific courses in positive behavior supports, and in assessment of student learning, data collection and analysis will intersect and allow students to participate in four semesters of field placements within local public school districts.

Students who successfully complete this track will graduate with a major in Special Education. This pairs well with a minor in Psychology through suggested elective courses.

Note: The career field requires additional coursework at the graduate level to advance to the BCaBA and BCBA levels of certification and potentially to the Doctoral level for a BCBA – D certification.