SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education Leadership for School-wide Equity and Access

A doctoral program with an emphasis in Special Education, graduates receive an interdisciplinary PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Faculty consists of professors with a wide range of expertise including special education, educational anthropology, research and evaluation, Native American Indigenous studies, critical race theory, applied linguistics, and English language learners.

We seek applicants interested in researching the intersections of equity, special education, and learning in schools using multiple methods. Students can expect a rigorous program providing ample opportunity to participate in coursework that includes special education, applied linguistics, and educational leadership as well as programs in trans-border studies and social justice. A faculty strong in research methodology offers courses as varied as hierarchical linear modeling and video ethnography as well as single subject design and advanced research design.

Students apprentice as researchers in the Equity Alliance at ASU which offers multiple opportunities to design, collect, and publish research studies and enables students to develop expertise in research, professional learning, leadership for school-wide equity and access related to RTI and disproportionality, and skills for leadership positions in higher education, state, or local education agencies.

MENTORING

Each student has a faculty advisor/mentor and a doctoral program/dissertation committee with faculty that assist in developing an individualized program based on the student's prior training and career goals.

SUPPORT

Each student receives support for three years, including tuition, fees, health insurance, and an academic year stipend. In exchange, graduates must work two years in the field of special education for every year of support they receive.

SELECTION

A promising candidate must be committed to the field of high incidence disabilities, committed to enhance educational opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse students, and provide an outstanding application portfolio and interview. Special attention is given to students who are most likely to enter the professoriate or pursue a leadership position in an SEA or LEA.

Applicants submit a completed doctoral application, personal statement of professional goals and plans, vita or resume, samples of professional writing, GRE scores, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a related field, two years of teaching experience or the equivalent. Provisional admittance may be granted to a promising student who lacks certain skills, knowledge, or experiences. All applicants receive phone or e-mail responses and those selected for consideration are given a personal interview.

For more detailed information and conversation, please contact one of the program co-directors: Alfredo.Artiles@asu.edu or Elizabeth.Kozleski@asu.edu.