Master of Science in Childhood/Special Education

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (http://www.ncate.org/).

Conceptual Framework

The mission of the School of Education is to prepare highly effective educators, school counselors, and school leaders who believe in full inclusion, value diversity, and are reflective and knowledgeable about best practices. Therefore, we ask Sage students to consider two essential questions throughout their studies and field experiences: "Who am I in the lives of those with whom I work?" "Who am I in the life of my educational community?" We expect all Sage candidates to demonstrate leadership and create optimal educational outcomes for all learners.

The motto of Russell Sage College, "To Be, To Know, To Do," informs the educational purpose of The Sage Colleges, where the common effort is to translate learning into action and application, within a framework that recognizes the obligation of educated persons to lead and serve their communities. In the School of Education, this motto is extended to form the basis for our programs. We expect Sage candidates:

I. To be well-grounded in knowledge about schools/communities, learners and learning, Sage candidates will:

understand self in relation to learners, their families, and the local and global community - particularly in terms of power, privilege and knowledge with regard to culture, class, language, ability and gender;

use interpersonal skills and demonstrate collaborative attitudes which result in successful partnerships with colleagues, families and other community members;

improve society by promoting, modeling, and using democratic practices in their settings;

demonstrate a commitment to substantive self-reflection (including quantifiable and qualitative sources of information), on-going learning and professional development;

II. To know curricular content and models of instruction, Sage candidates will:

demonstrate an ability to respond to the strengths and needs of all learners, using assessment data to inform instructional decisions;

use knowledge in their designated fields to inspire learners to grow and to meet high standards;

employ/promote pedagogical/counseling/leadership practices that engage learners in active ways;

demonstrate knowledge in their content areas ensuring maximum achievement for all learners;

III. To do what is necessary to ensure the success of all learners--and to collaborate with families/community members in respectful, culturally responsive ways, Sage candidates will:

engage in reflective practices;

demonstrate a positive, respectful view of learners, their families, communities, and colleagues;

listen deeply to the experiences and perspectives of all those within the community to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment;

model ethical behavior and active citizenship;

promote the success of all learners through advocacy and action and support the development of leadership throughout the community;

build trust and garner support for a vision of inclusive schools that value diversity.

National Accreditation Advantage

Sage’s School of Education first received accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in October 2001. NCATE accreditation means that graduates are recognized as having completed an Education program that meets the highest standards in the field. Sage graduates should note the NCATE accreditation on their resumes and be prepared to talk about its significance.

• Sage is one of only 45 colleges and universities in New York State to receive prestigious NCATE accreditation. Across the nation, relatively few private colleges can claim this level of excellence in teacher education programs.
• The NCATE accreditation process helped articulate what qualities a Sage educator, counselor, or leader possesses: belief in full inclusion, valuing diversity, reflection, and knowledge about best practices. NCATE accreditation is a mark of assurance that teachers, counselors, and leaders educated at Sage are competent, caring, and highly qualified.
• NCATE accreditation means that Sage graduates are better prepared to help their students reach high standards.
• Graduates of NCATE accredited programs can more easily receive certification and teaching jobs in other states; NCATE is recognized throughout the nation.

M.S. in Childhood/Special Education

Sage’s dual program provides prospective educators with certification in both Childhood Education and in Special Education, enhancing candidates’ employability when seeking positions in elementary schools.

All matriculated students complete a signed program schedule. Any change in stated coursework must receive written approval of the assigned faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Childhood/Special Education program must meet the general admission requirements to Sage Graduate School and must have or must complete as a part of their program, the equivalent of a bachelors’ degree in a liberal arts or sciences area. In addition, applicants to the Childhood/Special Education program must complete an:

• Interview with an appropriate advisor after all materials have been submitted
• Assessment of writing skills

This program is designed for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree with substantial preparation in liberal arts, but who have little or no background in professional education. The undergraduate preparation in liberal arts should represent the minimum requirements for  undergraduate students in childhood education at Sage; deficiencies may be satisfied by coursework over and above the requirements of the approved program.

Program Summary

Applicants for New York State certification must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal history review, per New York State Law.

Candidates for NYS teaching certificates must pass the New York State Teacher Certification examinations, including the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills - Written, (ATS-W), at the appropriate level, and the Content Specialty Test(s) (CST) in each certificate area.

United States citizenship or Declaration of Intent to become a U.S. citizen is a requirement for certification in New York State.

Electronic Portfolio

The School of Education requires all students to subscribe to LiveText, an electronic portfolio system.

Field Experience Stipend Program

The Field Experience Stipend Program is a collaborative program between The Sage Colleges and the local public schools. This collaboration allows Sage to provide graduate students with coursework concurrent with opportunities to build competencies in implementing teaching approaches with children and young adults. The program is a 10-month (September-June) full-time placement in an elementary school setting. Local school districts provide a stipend to interns for the public school year. Placements are open to Sage graduate students who are matriculated in Special Education, Literacy, and Childhood Education programs, and are taking at least one course per semester of the Field Experience Program. For more detailed information, please contact the field experience coordinator in the School of Education at daverl@sage.edu or (518) 244-2277.

School of Education Attendance Policy

While individual instructors may approach attendance and participation in varied ways in their grading policies, students in the School of Education should be aware that missing 1/4 or more of class sessions MAY result inAUTOMATIC class failure. Class content and participation are vital to meeting the objectives of School of Education courses.