Special Education - Introduction

"Two Gals" by Martha Perske

This Website is a guide to graduate programs in special education at Purdue University Calumet, offering you information about

• The Vision, Mission, and Conceptual Framework
• How to Contact Us
• Entering Our Programs
• Indiana Licensure in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention
• Indiana Licensure in Exceptional Needs: Intense Intervention
• Master of Science in Special Education
• How to Apply to Licensure Programs in Special Education
• Graduate Studies in Education Standards and Indiana Standards for Teachers of Students with Exceptional Needs
• Director of Exceptional Needs License

As your advisor, my primary responsibility is to serve your best interests, to be your advocate. Please feel free to ask for help and information in a genuine spirit of partnership.  Universities exist to serve students. Advisors and other faculty/staff should be accountable to students, promoting a climate that respects and accommodates them with full confidentiality.

Don’t hesitate to call my office or home.  E-mail questions, comments, and dialogue are welcome, too.  My office hours during the fall and spring semesters are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:30 or by appointment. During summer sessions, office hours are by appointment only. Extended hours are available during open registration.

We invite you to visit the following sites for information, resources, and support services for people with special needs, their families, and their service providers:

• Disabilities Support Service Links
• Disabilities Support Service Links 2
• Myths and Facts About Supported Inclusive Education
• Students Who Are Gifted

The School of Education Diversity Committee defines diversity to include “abilities, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geography, language, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and special needs.” For information and resources please visit

• School of Education Diversity Committee

Tom Mihail, Ph.D., Chair, Special Education

School of Education, Gyte Annex 112
Office:  219.989.2690 / mihailt@calumet.purdue.edu
Home:  219.884-0640

How to Contact Us

Dr. Tom Mihail, Chair, Special Education
Gyte Annex 112 / 219.989.2690
mihailt@calumet.purdue.edu
Home:  219.884.0640
Web site:  http://www.tommihail.net/aboutgreekprof.html

Suzanne Beike, Visiting Instructor, Special Education
Gyte Annex 104 / 219.989.3143
smbeike@calumet.purdue.edu

Dr. Rita Brusca-Vega, Associate Professor, Special Education
Gyte Annex 104 / 219.989.2568
vegar@calumet.purdue.edu

Dr. Robert Colon, Head
Graduate Studies in Education
Gyte Annex 122 / 219.989.2326
rjcolon@calumet.purdue.edu

Virginia Rhodes Secretary
Graduate Studies in Education
Gyte Annex 122 / 219.989.2326
rhodesv@calumet.purdue.edu

Kim Wasniak , Licensing Advisor
School of Education
Gyte Annex 170C / 219.989-2335
edlicensing@calumet.purdue.edu

In addition to Special Education, Purdue Calumet offers programs in

• Addictions Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Human Services Counseling, and School Counseling (Dr. Lisa Hollingsworth: 989-2789 or hollings@calumet.purdue.edu)
• Educational Administration (Dr. Pam Frampton: 989-2773 or frampton@calumet.purdue.edu; Dr. Robert Colon: 989-2326 or rjcolon@calumet.purdue.edu)
• Instructional Technology (Dr. Janet Buckenmeyer: 989-2692 or buckenme@calumet.purdue.edu)

Accreditation

Purdue University Calumet’s School of Education is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  Our programs received particular praise from NCATE examiners for the faculty and staff’s commitment to diversity, including students with special needs.

Best and Brightest Scholarships

Now Illinois and Indiana students can get money toward their tuition by applying for the Best and Brightest Scholarship award.

Find out more about how to apply at: http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/bestandbrightest/