About
The Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Disabilities targets both part-time and full-time graduate students who wish to develop specialized knowledge in teaching students with intellectual disabilities.The five course (15 credit) certificate aligns with the Nevada state endorsement requirements in intellectual disabilities and provides a strong knowledge base on using evidence-based practices across the school and community settings. Hours earned for the certificate may be applied to a degree program in special education at the master’s or doctoral degree levels. Hours earned in the master’s or doctorate programs in special education may not be used toward the certificate. The certificate strand requires 15 credit hours.
Nevada Department of Education is the authoritative body for granting licenses. Students are responsible for checking with NDE for any changes or updates.
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the characteristics of students with intellectual disabilities and will use this understanding to develop rigorous, differentiated learning experiences (e.g., lesson plans, unit plans, assessment activities) aligned to the specific learning needs of students.
- Describe various methods of assessing student learning and social-emotional well being and will implement these assessment techniques, as well as engage in data-based decision making to make targeted instructional decisions to support student learning.
- Understand the structure and framework of the general education curricula and environment and will make targeted, data-based instructional decisions to differentiate learning related to the requirements of the Alternate Assessment for students with intellectual disabilities, ensuring access to the general education curricula.
- Define the criteria for identifying evidence-based practices in special education specific to students with intellectual disabilities and will design and implement lessons and interventions using evidence-based practices to support the academic achievement and social emotional well being of students with intellectual disabilities in the general education environment.
- Understand the principles of effective collaboration with key stakeholders in the education of students with intellectual disabilities (e.g., parents, families, general education teachers, special education paraprofessionals, administrators) and will implement effective practices for engaging in collaboration.
Requirements
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Heather Van Ness, Ph.D.
Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education
We are dedicated to preparing professionals for specialized services in schools, community agencies, and higher education settings. In our bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs as well as two dual Ph.D./J.D. degrees and graduate certificates, we promote cultural diversity and affirm our commitment to the ethical standards of our respective disciplines.
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College of Education
The College of Education creates an intellectual environment that promotes quality instruction, significant research, and professional service. With four unique departments, graduates receive the necessary tools and experiences to make an impact on local, national, and global scales.