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  1. WKU
  2. College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  3. The School of Leadership and Professional Studies

Director of Special Education (Rank I)

Director of Special Education (KDS1 and KDS2)

This program leads to eligibility for administrative certification as a Level 1 and 2 Director of Special Education (DOSE) and a Rank I. This certification prepares you to lead, manage, and advocate for special education programs and services at the district level, ensuring equitable outcomes for all exceptional children.

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Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Current, valid teaching certificate for exceptional children or as a school psychologist

  • Three years of full-time teaching experience with exceptional children or as a school psychologist

  • Master's degree or Rank 2 from an accredited institution

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on all graduate coursework

  • Letter of reference and support from supervisor

  • Program admissions application

Director of Special Education (KDS1 and KDS2)

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours. Click on any course below to view its full description.

A survey of theory and research in school leadership focusing on ethical, equity-driven decision making and practice. Explores processes for vocational discernment as a school leader and tools for assessing leadership strengths and growth areas. Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).
This course focuses on identifying processes to create and foster a positive professional and student culture that supports a unifying purpose of learning and achievement. Prerequisite(s): EDAD 602 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).

EDAD 605 - Leading a Community of Learners

This course focuses on identifying processes to create and foster a strong and healthy relationship between the school and both internal and external community stakeholders. Prerequisite(s): EDAD 602 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).

SPED 612 - Collaboration between Schools and Stakeholders for Individuals with Disabilities

Preparation of school leaders and teachers to work as consultants in a team model; exploration of local, state and regional agencies involved with individuals with disabilities. Supervised practicum required at designated sites. Equivalent(s): EDAD 612.

EDAD 612 - Collaboration between Schools and Stakeholders for Individuals with Disabilities

Preparation of school leaders and teachers to work as consultants in a team model; exploration of local, state and regional agencies involved with individuals with disabilities. Supervised practicum required at designated sites. Equivalent(s): SPED 612.
This course will develop students’ understanding of best practices and current trends in curriculum, instruction, and assessment and prepare them to use available tools to monitor and improve the alignment and implementation of these systems to promote academic success for all students. Prerequisite(s): EDAD 602 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).
This course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of school principals relative to managing people, processes, and data in service of a vision that ensures the safety and success of all students. Prerequisite(s): EDAD 602 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).
Issues in special education. Classroom experiences to develop awareness and sensitivity to educational needs. Note: Minimum of 12 hours of graduate level coursework in exceptional education required. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
The instructional aspect of district administration: organization, problems, principles, and techniques of supervising and improving professional learning for teachers, principals, and staff.

SPED 630 - Special Education Law and Finance

Comprehensive study of existing federal and state mandates for special education; procedural considerations (e.g., budget, legally defensible decision-making); Applied activities for future special educators (e.g., substantive applications) and district leaders (I.e., budgeting).

EDAD 630 - Special Education Law and Finance

Clinical study of federal and state cases, statutes, regulations, and administrative decisions reviewing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Supervised practice in educational organizations for persons preparing to become a Director of Special Education. Equivalent(s): EDAD 625.
Clinical experiences that build the capacity of aspiring educational administrators to solve problems in a variety of real-world contexts. Prerequisite(s): EDAD 602 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of B.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Instr Leadership Sch Principal (0499), School Administration - Rank I (121) or Certification Only - Ed Ldrshp (131).

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 Last Modified 8/12/25