Doha: Qatar University’s College of Education (QU-CED) recently announced the establishment of two new programmes -- Bachelor in Special Education and Masters in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
The two programmes testify to the college’s capacity to address the national needs for qualified teaching professionals able to meet the requirements of students with special needs and for educators who are able to develop and implement quality and sustainable curricula, instruction and assessment policies.
These programmes demonstrate the college’s leading role in the national education reform strategies.
The full-time four-year BA programme requires 120 credit hours including a significant field experience component. The language of instruction is Arabic. Students can select from three tracks -- Early Childhood Special Education Services, School-Based Special Education, and Severe and Profound Disabilities.
Admission requirements include a minimum of 75 percent average at high school level and a successful personal interview. Qatari students enrolled in the programme are funded by the Supreme Education Council. Graduates from the programme will be qualified for job opportunities in schools, kindergartens, special education centres, educational institutions and education-based media organizations.
The MA programme is designed to meet the expected new roles and tasks of educators in Qatari independent schools and other education-based institutions offering students the opportunity to develop in three important areas, curriculum, pedagogy and assessment through course work. Students are required to complete a 20,000-word thesis in the final stage of their studies.
Prof Hissa Sadiq, Dean of the college, said, “The College is committed to being a key partner in education reform and continuous improvement of education in Qatar. These programmes prepare professionals who will add value to the national efforts in developing an educational system that meets international standard and best practices.”
The Peninsula
