Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions: Undergraduate

When will I get a SPLED advisor?

You may request an advisor from the SPLED program at anytime. If you are not sure about the major then you may want to keep an education advisor as you begin your studies. At the time that you want to plan for SPLED as your major, please request a SPLED advisor by informing your current advisor and getting a change of advisor form in 228 Chambers. You should then take the form to 225 CEDAR to be assigned an advisor by Mrs. Laura Zimmerman.

How can I be sure I am “on track” for entering the Special Education Major?

There are 4 main requirements

a) Complete 80 hours of experience with children with disabilities. Hours must be in two different settings serving children with different levels of disability. We encourage that one setting be in the classroom, especially if you do not have experience in the classroom.

Forms for volunteer hours are available here. These forms are submitted to 125 CEDAR. If you have questions about the appropriateness of the observation, please contact Kate McKinnon.

b) Obtain passing scores on the Praxis 1 (Reading, Writing, and Math)

Information on the scheduling and costs for these tests is available at 228 Chambers Building. More information on the content of the tests is available at ETS.

c) Maintain a GPA of 3.0
This is a program requirement as well as a College of Education requirement and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. More information is available here.

d) Complete required coursework
Please discuss with your advisor the scheduling and completion of the coursework list on the Special Education check sheet
Detailed information on Entrance to Major requirements for Special Education is available here.

3. Can I pursue dual certification in both Special Education and Elementary Education?

The requirements for certification in special education in Pennsylvania are currently being revised by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and significant changes are anticipated for the graduating class of 2012 (the freshman class of 2008). Until that time, the Elementary Education program at Penn State has worked with the Special Education program at Penn State to offer specialized coursework for Special Education Majors that will enable the Special Education majors to apply for both Elementary and Special Education certification. This specialized coursework is typically offered in the summer, and students must meet additional Elementary Education certification requirements:

American History 20 or 21
A science class from each of the 3 main disciplines, as well as a lab class (Please click here for more details)
Passing scores on required EL ED praxis tests (typically taken after completion of EL ED coursework)

Please see the discussion of "Special Education Teachers and Highly Qualified Status."