M.S. in Special Education:
Program Checklist

Crucial Milestones During Your Program

• Schedule initial appointment with assigned advisor and review the following on the Graduate School website:
"Preparing a Master's Program of Study" (also available in the Graduate School); and The Graduate Handbook.

• At this meeting you will: prepare your Program of Study for submission to the Graduate School; discuss the Master’s Portfolio guidelines and timeline (receive a copy of the K-State Special Education Portfolio Guide); discuss licensure and endorsement options in special education; and prepare a tentative semester-by-semester timeline for taking classes (optional)

• Review Special Education Handbook (prior to initial meeting with advisor if possible). If you do not have one of these (stapled booklet with green cover) you can ask for one in the Departmental Office (369 Bluemont Hall). This handbook covers information regarding endorsement procedures (including application forms, PRAXIS tests and program requirements for both adaptive or functional endorsement along with the requirements for either provisional or full endorsement, etc.) and required classes for your program.

• Prepare your Program of Study (in consultation with your advisor) and determine who will serve on your committee.

• Submit to the Graduate School the original and 4 copies of the approved Program of Study signed by all members of your committee, your major professor, the department head, and you the student. FORM Submission

• If changes need to be made to the Program of Study (e.g., course substitution, change in committee member, etc.), submit a Program/Committee Change Form to the Graduate School. This form can be downloaded from the Graduate School website. And/or consult with your major advisor for preparation and routing for required signatures. FORM Submission *only if changes are made to POS

• Begin collecting and organizing artifacts for your Master’s Portfolio (PDF). Many of the courses you take as part of your Program of Study will result in a possible artifact for your portfolio (see course syllabi and consult with course instructor if you have questions). Practica are also key points where you will have natural opportunity to participate in activities and collect artifacts of your work that will be appropriate for your portfolio. Follow the Portfolio Guide and discuss with your advisor and/or practicum University Supervisor if you have specific questions.

• Schedule a mid-program review with your advisor to discuss progress toward endorsement (provisional and full) and initial review of your portfolio artifacts.

• Notify advisor the semester before you plan to complete your program to confirm that all requirements have been met and to assure necessary timelines can be met. Your advisor will confirm with you the date of the exit portfolio review and discuss necessary paperwork to be completed and important dates you need to be aware of.

• Attend the Department Portfolio Exam Planning Meeting (held at the beginning of each semester and attended by all who plan to graduate and complete the portfolio review that semester)

• Submit the "Approval to Schedule Final Examination" Form signed by the major professor, department head, and all committee members to the Graduate School 10 working days prior to the portfolio review. The Graduate School will send an email to you whether or not the degree requirements have been satisfied. Note: Deadlines to graduate are published for each semester on the Graduate School website. You must be enrolled the semester you take your final examination (Portfolio Review) and graduate. FORM Submission

• Submit your portfolio no later than 2 weeks prior to the portfolio exam date.

• Culminating Portfolio Exam (this is a date set by the Department each semester)

• Your advisor will submit the final examination ballot to the Graduate School after the supervisory committee has signed. FORM Submission (Advisor)

• Graduation Paperwork

• Submit Diploma Information Form online to confirm name on diploma and address where diploma should be sent. FORM Submission

• Pay graduation fees to the Cashier's Office in Anderson Hall.

• Attend commencement. Deadlines to be met and information about commencement are available on the Graduate School website.

• Application for licensure/endorsement (the semester in which you plan to graduate (Nov. 1, April 1, or July 1). Forms are available in BH 013.