SPLS
IRPR
Intensive Recruitment Preparation and Retention
(IRPR2)
Master's in Special Education with Dual Endorsements in Emotional Impairments and Learning Disabilities
Western Michigan University’s Special Education Program is home of the Intensive Recruitment, Preparation and Retention Revisited (IRPR²) program! This fast track program prepares teachers, currently holding an elementary or secondary teaching certificate, with a master’s in special education and dual endorsements in learning disabilities and emotional impairments within 18 months. The program is an intensive competency and field-based experience that will prepare and support two cohorts of 15 students. Each cohort will complete the program within 18 months. The next cohort of IRPR2 will begin summer II, 2009.
Teachers interested in earning certification in special education with dual endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments may next apply for the fall, 2008 semester.
Brochure | Application
Who can participate in IRPR?
Teachers who are interested in earning certification in special education with dual endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments. Priority will be given to teachers on temporary approval in special education and students from traditionally unrepresented groups.
How long will completion of the program take?
Program completion will be 18 months with two summers of intensive coursework. All coursework will be completed in Kalamazoo.
What are the tuition costs?
Student tuition (up to $16,000) will be provided for IRPR program participants. Students will be required to work in the field for two years after program completion as part of a federal repay agreement.
What are the application procedures?
An application can be obtained online, from the Department of Educational Studies at Western Michigan University, or by contacting Project Co-Directors and
When can I apply?
The next cohort will begin coursework summer II 2009. There are only 15 positions available for the second cohort group. Initial application review will begin January 2009.
Benefits of the IRPR program
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Certification with dual endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments.
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Emphasis in Collaboration and Teaming.
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Program completion of 18 months.
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Up to $16,000 provided for tuition. Each student who recieves funding is required to teach in the field 2 years for every 1 year of funding.
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Alternative coursework in intensive summer format.
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Cohort model will provide opportunities to engage in teamwork, collaboration, and peer support.
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Provides ongoing advising and mentoring
Admission
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Priority will be given to teachers on temporary approval in special education and students from traditionally unrepresented groups.
IRPR2 Cohort 1 Course Sequence
Courses will be offered in an alternative format including a four-week intensive summer program and weekend courses similar to the following format.
Summer II
SPED 5300 Intro. to Special Education
SPED 5330 Assessment/Prescription in Special Education
SPED 5340 Curriculum/Instruction in Special Education
SPED 6380 Application of Behavior Theory to Classroom
Total - 12 credits
Fall
SPED 6560 Current Issues in Special Education
SPED 6610 Transdisciplinary Teaming
Total – 6 credits
Spring
SPPA 5950 Oral Language Development & Dysfunction
SPED 6370 Research and Evaluation Techniques is Special Education
Total – 5 credits
Summer I
SPED 6300 Clinical Practice in Special Education
SPED 6620 Service Delivery Models that Foster Collaboration
SPED 6630 Professional Field Experience in Collaboration
Total – 9 credits
Summer II
SPED 5700 Introduction to EI
SPED 5750 Education of Learners with EI
SPED 5800 Introduction to LD
SPED 5850 Adv. Theory and Practice in LD
Total – 12 credits
Fall
* SPED 6740 Intern Teaching in Special Education
Total – 6 credits
Total Credits = 50 (44 credits if SPED 674 is waived)
* May be waived with two years successful teaching in endorsement area.
