CIP: 130604
The Specialist of Science in Education in Educational Diagnostician at Northwest Missouri State University is designed to train professionals in the ethical use of formal and informal assessments within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), including special education, for the purpose of improving the educational outcomes of PK-12 students who exhibit differing abilities. This program examines the role of educational diagnosticians from universal screening and pre-referral processes through special education eligibility determination and the provision of special education services. Within this program particular emphasis is placed on (1) the use of a problem-solving approach to assessment to formulate a multi-dimensional understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses; (2) the use of data derived through the assessment process, to identify the most appropriate and practical evidence-based interventions according to students’ learning profiles; and (3) the importance of educational diagnosticians in bridging the research-to-practice gap.
This program was developed in alignment with standards for educational diagnosticians and with the Missouri DESE certification for School Psychological Examiner.
Entrance Requirements
Any student seeking admittance to this program should have successfully completed a graduate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a 2.75 GPA or better. Additionally, either a teaching degree, teaching certification, or completion of a human development degree should be provided for admission. As an entrance requirement for this program, the student should either: a) hold a degree in special education b) show a service record of teaching in special education for one complete academic year or c) complete EDCI 62642 during the first term enrolled at NW.
Competency Assessment
To assess program effectiveness and meet the comprehensive assessment requirement, a Written Assessment of Competency Mastery is required of all students completing the EdS., Educational Diagnostician. The assessment will include the development of a professional portfolio which includes reference to program artifacts, professional standards, and reflection on growth as a professional educator. The assessment will be completed during EDCI 62697 - Capstone Project: Educational Diagnosticians .
