IMMEDIATE AUGUST 6, 2004

ABAC, VSU OFFER NEW GRADUATE DEGREE IN TIFTON

TIFTON--A Master of Education degree through Valdosta State University will be available beginning Aug. 16 on the Abraham Baldwin College campus. The Interrelated Special Education/Early Childhood Education Program will feature classes taught by both VSU and ABAC faculty.

“In the fall of 2002, Valdosta State University began offering a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education classes on the campus of ABAC,” said Dr. Gail Dillard, ABAC’s Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs. “This summer, that program was expanded to provide for both the Early Childhood Education classes and Special Education classes in a five-year program resulting in a graduate degree combining Special Education and Early Childhood Education. This is a great new opportunity for students at ABAC.”

Entering freshmen can attend ABAC to obtain an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and then proceed into the program offered in conjunction with VSU. Students will then be able to move into the interrelated education courses.

Dillard said the decision to convert this program was based on two factors. The first is that today’s elementary classrooms include a diverse population of children. General education teachers must be prepared to deliver individually referenced instruction to a variety of students.

Second, there is a great need for teachers who can help meet the needs of students with disabilities. This program will help to meet these needs. “This preparation will provide the skills and knowledge to make them more effective teachers,” Dillard said.

After completion of the first four years of this program, students will receive their Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. At that time, students can apply for graduate school, the fifth year. “Student teaching will also take place during this year,” Dillard said. Financial aid is available through the HOPE Scholarship for Critical Shortage Fields at this time.

Upon completion of 24 hours of coursework and 12 hours of student teaching and successful completion of the PRAXIS II Exam, students will receive their Master’s degree in Education with certification in Interrelated Special Education/Early Childhood.

“This also entitles students who work in the state of Georgia to be hired at the T-5 level, which in many districts is $4,000 - $5,000 higher per year.” Dillard said.

“This program gives students many job opportunities, as well as being a benefit to people in our area to attend classes without having to commute to Valdosta State,” Dillard said. For more information, contact the office of Evening and Off-Campus Programs at (229) 386-7154 or visit the ABAC web site at www.abac.edu.