Educators experienced in teaching students with special needs have several options when thinking about making a professional change. They may be interested in leadership positions, such as school team leader or director of student services. They may consider moving into the general education classroom where they can better support struggling students who have not been formally identified with a special need. One of the most crucial positions in the area of special education, however, is in the field of educational diagnostics.
How Do I Become an Educational Diagnostician?
The Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction – Concentration in Special Education in Educational Diagnostics online degree program from the University of Louisiana Monroe prepares candidates to work with a multidisciplinary team of professionals at the district level to meet the educational needs of exceptional children.
Included in the program are courses addressing the various aspects of your role as a diagnostician.
- Classes in assessment, intervention and accountability cover how students are identified using a variety of assessment tools as well as how students should be monitored to ensure they continue receiving the appropriate services.
- Classes in best practices and learning theories in the general education and the special education classroom discuss how services can be delivered in a variety of settings, providing a seamless education for students with special needs.
- Classes in leadership and collaboration emphasize the need to approach the identification and educational processes for students with a collaborative mindset and the willingness to advocate for all students.
In each of these courses, you will gain the insight and skills required to identify students who are eligible for special education services and then participate in the creation of an individual plan to best serve their needs.
What Will I Do As an Educational Diagnostician?
Making a diagnosis of behavior or cognitive delays can be done only by a licensed medical professional. For the purposes of providing appropriate educational services to students who need additional support and attention, however, an educational diagnostician is responsible for the initial testing and observation of students who have been recommended by a staff member, teacher or family member. Using test results and indicators of cognitive or behavioral deficits that have been observed, the diagnostician recommends the appropriate services for students to achieve both academic success and emotional health.
As diagnosticians, teachers experienced in the field of special education work outside of the general education or special education classroom. They work collaboratively with a team of stakeholders to accurately identify and monitor the services each student will receive and document both the short- and long-term goals of the plan. The team includes some, if not all, of the following members:
- Classroom teacher.
- Team leader.
- Special education teacher.
- Speech and language pathologist.
- Social worker.
- School psychologist.
- Building leadership.
- The family and other members of the student’s support group.
- If appropriate, the student.
Upon completion of the Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction — Special Education in Educational Diagnostics degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe, you will be qualified to work as an educational diagnostician. You will serve as a member of the dedicated team with the singular vision of helping students who are falling behind academically. You will be an advocate for children who may otherwise never receive the support and services that will help them achieve their full potential as students and citizens.
Learn more about ULM’s online M.Ed. C&I Special Ed in Educational Diagnostics program.
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