Education, M.A.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) The Center for Teacher and Therapist Education (CTTE) is a collaborative partnership between the Department of Education/Special Education and the Department of Communication Disorders and Deaf Education. CTTE has developed a comprehensive, collaborative graduate program to prepare professionals from a variety of professions to work with children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Effective professional practices that support the learning and social-behavioral outcomes of individuals with ASD are central elements in this course of study. In addition, the program promotes early intervention and early transition planning with family education and support. Such support assists parents in making informed decisions regarding a variety of treatment approaches and educational possibilities. 

• CTE 507 - Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Credit(s): 3
• CTE 508 - ASD: Communication and Social Competence Credit(s): 3
• CTE 509 - ASD: Behavioral Supports Credit(s): 3
• CTE 510 - ASD: Assessment and Evaluation Credit(s): 3

Curriculum and Instruction

The Curriculum and Instruction strand is structured to provide the classroom teacher with the knowledge and skills necessary to make good decisions in the current educational environment. This includes not only the elements of effective curriculum design and instructional processes, but also the contemporary context in which such decisions take place. 

• EDU 528 - Universal Design for Learning Credit(s): 3
• EDU 529 - Enhancing Student Achievement through Positive Behavioral Supports Credit(s): 3
• EDU 530 - Understanding the Diverse Learner Credit(s): 3
• EDU 575 - Content Planning, Delivery, and Assessment Credit(s): 3

Diverse Learners

Education of Diverse Learners tackles critical challenges of teaching in schools of the 21st century. This program of graduate study prepares teachers to identify and address the opportunities and challenges of a diverse population of students. The course of study supports teachers in their development of knowledge, dispositions, and practices to best serve the varied needs and talents of all students in inclusive classrooms. Diverse learners encompasses the study of all under-performing groups of diverse learners with a focus on ethnicity, culture, religion, economic disadvantage, learning challenges or disability, and second language readers.

• EDU 528 - Universal Design for Learning Credit(s): 3
• EDU 529 - Enhancing Student Achievement through Positive Behavioral Supports Credit(s): 3
• EDU 530 - Understanding the Diverse Learner Credit(s): 3
• EDU 551 - Literature-Based Reading for Diverse Learners Credit(s): 3

Early Childhood Education

With early childhood education as a top priority in the state of Missouri, the need for highly qualified early childhood educators continues to grow. The early childhood concentration in the Master of Arts in Education prepares professionals to work with pre-kindergarten through third grade students in both public and private entities. The specialty course work allows you to examine, evaluate, research and implement early childhood curriculum and programming. 

• EDU 525 - Individual Assessment and Approaches in Early Childhood Special Education Credit(s): 3
• EDU 528 - Universal Design for Learning Credit(s): 3
• ECE 551 - Administering Programs for Children and Families Credit(s): 2-3
• ECE 578 - Advanced Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3

Reading

The reading concentration is structured to assist participants in obtaining the Special Reading endorsement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Fontbonne has a tradition of superior instruction in the area of reading, a process that is at the core of every instructional program. Instruction is provided to assist in teaching readers of all ages and levels, emergent literacy to secondary. The interaction between reading and writing is stressed, as well as key assessment strategies. The reading program is offered both fully on-line and/or face-to-face. If you are interested in the program, contact the Director of Reading Programs or the Director of Graduate Studies in Education. Some of your UG courses in reading might serve via competencies for the courses listed below.  A reading audit can report those to you and your advisor. 

 A reading audit will need to be conducted to align your UG and GR courses previously taken to the matrix for Special Reading.  This audit, conducted by our Certification coordinator, will be shared with you and your Special Reading Advisor to use as you plan your program.  You may add this certification to a Masters in Education with an emphasis in Reading or you may take the courses to simply add the certificate to your initial teaching certificate.  At the end of the program, you will apply for the Special Reading Certificate through DESE.  You must complete the following courses plus two years of lead teaching experience in an accredited Missouri school.

• EDU 549 - Foundations of Reading Instruction Credit(s): 3
• EDU 553 - Analysis and Correction of Reading Difficulties Credit(s): 3
• EDU 583 - Practicum in Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties Credit(s): 3
• EDU 584 - Practicum in the Remediation of Reading Difficulties II Credit(s): 3

Special Education

Fontbonne University’s tradition of excellence in special education is represented in its special education concentration. Career professionals who are committed to enhancing opportunities for students with special needs will find opportunities to grow in knowledge, skills, and dispositions through the courses, applied practices, and research to be found on topics of particular interest in their own practice through action research projects and directed readings. One may also choose to pursue professional interests in related graduate programs such as autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, computers in education, diverse learners, or reading. Candidates may structure their programs to assist in meeting requirements for an endorsement in special education (cross-categorical, K-12).