{"id":1749,"date":"2018-03-01T21:23:02","date_gmt":"2018-03-01T21:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/?page_id=1749"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:58:54","slug":"cross-cat-sped","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/cross-cat-sped\/","title":{"rendered":"K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-three-fifth fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:60%;width:calc(60% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.6 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2>Graduate Certificate in K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to enhance your ability to work with learners with disabilities, but don&#8217;t want to commit to a master&#8217;s degree, consider a <strong>Graduate Certificate in K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education<\/strong>. All required courses are available online. This flexibility allows the program to be completed on your time from anywhere in the world. The curriculum for the graduate certificate has a strong foundation in current research in the field of K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education, ensuring that you will be able to enhance your career with the most up-to-date knowledge possible.<\/p>\n<h2>Total Credits Required<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Graduate Certificate \u2013 18 credits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-double\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-1749-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-1749-1\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9b5bb9b2c80cd801c\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1749-1\" data-target=\"#9b5bb9b2c80cd801c\" href=\"#9b5bb9b2c80cd801c\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How will the K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education option prepare me for a career?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9b5bb9b2c80cd801c\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The need for educators who teach learners with mild\/moderate disabilities becomes more critical every year. Severe shortages of qualified special education teachers continue to persist\u2014locally, regionally, statewide and nationally. In addition to learning how to advocate for effective and responsive education for learners who experience mild\/moderate disabilities, graduate students should gain the following from coursework in the K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education program:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A deep understanding of fundamental issues associated with teaching learners who experience a broad range of mild\/moderate disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Specific skills associated with assessment and eligibility determination for learners who experience mild\/moderate disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Knowledge of differentiated instructional methods needed to successfully teach learners who experience mild\/moderate disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Effective implementation of behavioral interventions with learners who experience mild\/moderate disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Selection and effective implementation of assistive technologies<\/li>\n<li>Design and implementation of effective augmentative communication strategies, in natural environments<\/li>\n<li>Focused methods to prepare learners and their families for transition from secondary education to a successful career<\/li>\n<li>A variety of strategies for effectively collaborating with families and members of inter-professional collaborative teams in education<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced general knowledge of diverse, inclusive classroom settings<\/li>\n<li>Training in analytical and critical thinking methods<\/li>\n<li>Capstone experience (thesis or internship), which requires the application of content information gained from participation in the M.A.S. in Assessment program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"bf365dfdb183209cb\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1749-1\" data-target=\"#bf365dfdb183209cb\" href=\"#bf365dfdb183209cb\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What are the unique benefits of the K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education option?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"bf365dfdb183209cb\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<ul>\n<li>All courses are available online<\/li>\n<li>Program is designed to foster a meaningful online community through the incorporation of synchronous video sessions in each course<\/li>\n<li>Nearly all courses are taught by full-time Department of Education faculty<\/li>\n<li>Foundation in current research in the field of K-12 cross-categorical special education<\/li>\n<li>Professional core sequence, which focuses on designing, conducting, and analyzing research in education<\/li>\n<li>Culminating capstone experience typically involves a collaboration with a partner agency in the graduate student\u2019s home community<\/li>\n<li>Program supports ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½\u2019s primary mission of applied learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:15px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_3 1_3 fusion-one-third fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;width:calc(33.333333333333% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.33333333333333 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"320\" height=\"288\" alt=\"Dr. Kipton Smilie\" title=\"Dr. Kipton Smilie\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2022\/02\/Dr.-Kipton-Smilie_320x288.png\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-2506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2022\/02\/Dr.-Kipton-Smilie_320x288-200x180.png 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2022\/02\/Dr.-Kipton-Smilie_320x288.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/span><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type='text\/css'>.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.70;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-reading-box-container reading-box-container-1\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:84px;\"><div class=\"reading-box\" style=\"background-color:#f6f6f6;border-width:1px;border-color:#f6f6f6;border-top-width:3px;border-top-color:var(--primary_color);border-style:solid;\"><h2>Dr. Kipton Smilie<\/h2><div class=\"reading-box-additional fusion-reading-box-additional\">\n<p>Education Graduate Program Director &amp; Professor<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:educgrad@missouriwestern.edu\">educgrad@missouriwestern.edu<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"tel:+18162714301\">(816) 271-4301<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-two-fifth fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:40%;width:calc(40% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.4 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 4px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"imageframe-align-center\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"320\" alt=\"Teacher assists students in the classroom\" title=\"Teacher assists students in the classroom\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2018\/03\/iStock_000023266395Large.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-1750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2018\/03\/iStock_000023266395Large-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2018\/03\/iStock_000023266395Large-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2018\/03\/iStock_000023266395Large.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-1749-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-1749-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-1749-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:rgba(255,199,0,0.3); }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-1749-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-1749-2 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-1749-2\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"f57b93b0479cc45a9\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-1749-2\" data-target=\"#f57b93b0479cc45a9\" href=\"#f57b93b0479cc45a9\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Course Requirements (Graduate Certificate)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"f57b93b0479cc45a9\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/graduate\/programs\/k-12-cross-categorical-special-education-graduate-certificate\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"margin-top:15px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 15px 15px 15px 15px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">About Our Graduate Programs<\/h3>\n<p>Delivery:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/online\/\">100% online<\/a><br \/>\nApplication Deadlines:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: -20px;\">\n<li>1 week before each semester begins. <a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/academic-calendar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check our Academic Calendar here!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"slink\" style=\"margin: 0; font-weight: bold;\"><a class=\"fusion-modal-text-link\" data-toggle=\"modal\" data-target=\".fusion-modal.admission\" href=\"#\">Admission Requirements<\/a><\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/frequently-asked-questions-about-m-a-s-assessment-k-12-cross-categorical-special-education-option-sped\/\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/businessoffice\/tuition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tuition Information<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/graduate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Graduate School<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Student Videos<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/program\/\">Graduate Program\/Courses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/online\/\">Online Learning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/interaction\/\">Teacher\/Peer Interaction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/goals\/\">Real World Application<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/capstone-project\/\">Capstone Project Process<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-modal modal fade modal-1 admission\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\" aria-labelledby=\"modal-heading-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.modal-1 .modal-header, .modal-1 .modal-footer{border-color:#ebebeb;}<\/style><div class=\"modal-dialog modal-lg\"><div class=\"modal-content fusion-modal-content\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"modal-header\"><button class=\"close\" type=\"button\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/button><h3 class=\"modal-title\" id=\"modal-heading-1\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Admission Requirements<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"modal-body fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Requirements for admission to any graduate program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education option (SPED)<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Bachelor\u2019s degree in Education or a closely related field from an accredited College or University.<\/li>\n<li>Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 minimum<\/li>\n<li>Provide transcripts of all previously completed university level work \u2013 both Undergraduate and Graduate.<\/li>\n<li>Statement of Purpose: A one-page narrative which describes his\/her purpose for seeking admission to a graduate program, as well as what he\/she hopes to gain from the experience<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>TEACH Grant<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Federal Teacher Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is intended to assist students in becoming highly-qualified teachers and is available to those who are completing coursework in a TEACH Grant-eligible program \u2013 a high-need field. Both TESOL and SPED qualify as areas of critical need.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, go to link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/finaid\/federal-teach-grant\/\">https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/finaid\/federal-teach-grant\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"modal-footer\"><a class=\"fusion-button button-default button-medium button default medium\" data-dismiss=\"modal\">Close<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><h2>Tell Me More<\/h2><div id=\"form_80ec6863-edd4-4bd2-bbc4-94299c4c6566\">Loading...<\/div><script async=\"async\" src=\" https:\/\/apply.missouriwestern.edu\/register\/?id=80ec6863-edd4-4bd2-bbc4-94299c4c6566&output=embed&div=form_80ec6863-edd4-4bd2-bbc4-94299c4c6566 \">\/**\/<\/script><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1749"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1749"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11111,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1749\/revisions\/11111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}