Graduate Programs
The Master of Science in Special Education
(2) Starred Paper (SP; Plan B)
Plan B requires the development of a comprehensive critical review of published literature as the capstone writing project. Typical starred papers run from 25-80 pages and do not require the collection of original research data. During SPED 601 faculty member help candidates elect and narrow a topic for their SP. In addition, the candidate is helped to form a three-member Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) and to present the Starred Paper proposal to the members of this panel. If members of the FAC approve the proposal, the candidate completes the Starred Paper during the semester they take SPED 602. Candidates receive assistance with the Starred Paper from the instructors of SPED 601 and SPED 602 and their major advisor.
Recent Starred Paper topics have included the following:
- an analysis of court cases in special education
- the effectiveness of social skills training of students diagnosed with emotional and behavioral disorders
- the relationship between bullying and depression
- the effectiveness of a school-wide behavioral supports plan
- a review of effective instruction for students with learning disabilities in mathematics.
