Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	Frostburg State University Proposal	Bachelor of Science (B.S.)	Elementary/Special Education Dual Certification	2/3/2023	Approved	2/27/2023
Elementary/Special Education Dual Certification Program Description
Frostburg State University (FSU) proposes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education dual certification program. Currently, there are two existing dual certification majors at FSU: 1) Early Childhood/Elementary Education and 2) Elementary/Middle School Education. The new dual certification program includes 129 credits of coursework and field experiences, focused on both general and special education at the elementary level (the additional nine credits over 120 are necessary for a program that prepares candidates for two grade bands of teacher certification). The program must also meet the approved program requirements from the Maryland State Department of Education, as well as providing evidence of meeting the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation Elementary standards for beginning educators and the Council for Exceptional Children standards for special education professionals. Additionally, the new dual certification option provides preparation in special education for elementary <br>candidates who, upon completion, will be prepared for certification in general education for grades 1-6 and in special education for grades 1-8. The proposed major would also be desirable for new teachers and prospective employers, given documented needs for general education teachers who are highly qualified in the areas of special education as well as certified special education teachers, both at the state and national levels.