What is Collaborative Law in Special Education?

Meeting the needs of children with disabilities through school-family-community collaboration is an ambitious goal of educational policy in the U.S. As a result, schools and communities need highly qualified teachers, administrators, parents and advocates with the legal knowledge and practical collaboration skills necessary to support the education of all students, including those with disabilities, as mandated in IDEA.

This program focuses on the special education legislation, litigation, and policies that shape today’s educational landscape; and offers insight into best practices to support families of children with disabilities. Through an in depth look at special education laws, court cases, and collaborative advocacy practices, students gain a fundamental understanding of special education law and advocacy applicable to professional practice in the realms of education, advocacy, family support services, and community-based work.

What Can a Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and Law Process Do For You?

In this Collaborative Special Education Law and Process certificate program, participants learn vital legally-grounded information and practical strategies to assist students fully realizing IDEA's mandated school-family-community cooperative partnership. After completion of the program many students apply their knowledge of special education law and family advocacy to leadership positions within public and private school sectors, found private practices in Special Education Law and Advocacy, or join existing special education law or advocacy firms, Moreover, this program often serves as clarifying catalyst for those exploring the option of attending law school with a focus on special education advocacy.

This education policy certificate is also offered as a concentration within the MS in Special Education or as a standalone program. Teacher certification is not a requirement for admission to this Post-Baccalaureate Certificate or master’s degree program and there is no required course sequence nor course perquisites. The program is also a valuable addition to a student's resume signifying mastery in Special Education law, policy, and process.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and Law Process?

• Instructional Delivery: Online
• Calendar Type: Quarter
• Expected Time to Completion: 1-2 years
• Number of Credits to Completion: students take four 3-credit courses for a total of 12.0 credits
• Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

What are the Requirements to Earn a Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and Law Process?

Admissions Criteria

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with undergraduate GPA)
  • If you do not meet this requirement, you’re still encouraged to apply and your file will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Program Director

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Brief essay describing why you're interested in pursuing this program
• Additional requirements for International Students

Who is Eligible to Earn a Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and Law Process?

• Certificate Level: Graduate
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree
• Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
• Financial Aid Eligibility: Not aid eligible

How Do I Apply to Drexel’s Collaborative Special Education and Law Process Program?

Applicants for the program follow the University standards for admissions to graduate study, i.e., possess an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; an earned undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA, if applicable, will be considered along with undergraduate GPA).

In addition, the candidate will submit for consideration a completed graduate school application with official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, two letters of recommendation and a brief personal essay describing why you are interested in the program.