University considers adding two new majors
The proposed addition of the comprehensive science and arts for teaching major and special education certification major would open up new opportunities for incoming freshmen seeking a career in education. The majors go up for approval in July at the next Board of Trustees meeting.
Apr 15, 2010
Grand Valley State University is set to add two new education majors for the fall of 2010, pending the approval of the Board of Trustees.
A new comprehensive science and arts for teaching major, as well as a special education certification major are in the works for next fall semester. In the winter of 2008, Michigan legislature proposed statewide changes for special education teaching, which need to be effective by 2012. These new majors would represent GVSU’s transition plan for implementing these policies.
Both majors are up for approval in July. The majority of courses for each already exist, with the exception of a proposed SAT 495 Science and Arts for Elementary Classrooms capstone class.
The faculty is confident the majors will draw enough interest from existing and new students. GVSU’s new special education major will be the only dual-endorsement program within the state. This will enable students to have the credentials to teach both regular education and special education when they graduate, making them invaluable for the education market.
Special education professor Barbara Lubic has spent 25 years within the field of special education and understands the value of GVSU’s new program.
“It’s a nice, comprehensive new major,” Lubic said. “It will offer students a little bit of everything; they’ll be able to teach math, English, science and history, and that will give them a strong foundation.”
From the administration side, both majors have the potential to be successful and attract both new and existing students. President Thomas Haas exuberated confidence when discussing the importance of interest in continuing special education, particularly among the new students who will join the ranks next fall.
“It’s an important major for education students,” Haas said. “I think incoming freshmen who think of special education as their ‘calling’ will really see this as a great opportunity.”
The faculty within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has worked hard to push the new majors into prominent positions since meeting a few months ago to discuss the reforms needed. Professor David Coffey helped move the comprehensive science and arts major through GVSU’s governance process and cited CLAS associate dean Jann Joseph’s efforts to create the capstone for the course.
“We are hopeful about (CSAT’s) chances and are in the process of gearing up for this coming fall 2010,” Coffey said.
Haas cited the faculty’s drive to this current point and efforts to make the new majors work.
“I’m very pleased with what the faculty has created,” he said. “The Academic Affairs Committee is excited about it as well, since it shows our adaptability and flexibility in adjusting to meet the changes for education in Michigan.”
Both of the new majors are expected to offer students interested in education a comprehensive, contemporary approach to teaching and provide the tools for an excellent r?©sum?© upon graduation. Administrators believe the dual-enrollment policy especially should attract students with a passion for special education to broaden their horizons.
While the prospects for the new majors remain hopeful, the ultimate decision on their fates will be decided in July. If they are passed, classes will be available on GVSU’s MyBanner in August.
