About the Program

The Special Education Program was introduced at the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University in the 2013/2014 academic year, and the study began in the first semester of that year. The duration of the study in the program is four years, after which students obtain a Bachelor of Education degree in Special Education. The program aims to prepare and qualify special education teachers to work with children with special needs at various educational levels, particularly in the kindergarten and primary school, whether in government or private sectors or in governmental and private centers for children with special needs and this can also include institutions and charities that provide educational services for such group of children.

Vision

The Bachelor of Education program in Special Education at Al Ain University aspires to be a pioneer in preparing specialized teachers in special education who are committed to meeting the educational needs of students with different special needs, including gifted and talented. This program also aspires to improve the quality of life for this group of students.

Mission

The Special Education Program seeks to prepare candidates and qualify them to be special education teachers who are able to develop the services of this field by focusing on the principles and philosophy of inclusive education and integrating special education and regular education services under one roof and teaching all students regardless their abilities and needs in the same classroom, using various teaching modifications and adaptations to meet the educational needs of all students in class.

Program Goals

1. Clarify the relationship between disability, growth and learning, and benefit from this relationship in providing challenging learning experiences for people with special needs.
2. Creating safe and inclusive teaching and learning environments that respond to cultural diversity, and make people with special needs active and effective learners characterized by positive emotional and social maturity.
3. Employing knowledge of the regular and special education curricula in individualizing the education process for people with special needs.
4. Using multiple assessment methods and various data sources in making educational decisions.
5. Adapting teaching and technological strategies to suit the characteristics and abilities of students with special needs to enhance their learning and problem-solving process.
6. Employing knowledge, research skills, educational practices and ethical and professional principles in teaching people with special needs in order to advance the profession and lifelong learning.
7. Cooperation and communication with families, other educators and service providers related to people with special needs.
8. Develop the relationship of people with special needs with the various community institutions in a way that is culturally responsive to meet their needs through a range of educational and learning experiences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Job Opportunities 

• Teacher in regular classes, resource rooms, or in special education classes to help students with special needs learn. 

• UAE Secondary school Certificate or its equivalent approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, with a minimum grade of 75% for the Science/advanced track, or 80% for the Art/general track, or 70% for Elite. 
• A valid English Language Proficiency Certificate in one of the below certificates or its equivalent, at least as the following:

• Pass the Arabic EmSAT with a score not less than (800) or equivalent. Alternatively, Non-Native Arabic Speakers can enroll in a non-credited AAU "Introduction to Arabic Language" course.
• Pass the Math EmSAT with a score not less than (700) or equivalent.
• Pass the Placement test set by the college.
• Pass the personal interview by the College of Education.
• Pass any other AAU admissions conditions. 

To obtain a Bachelor degree in Arabic Languages and Islamic Studies Education, a student must successfully complete 126 credit hours, with a minimum (CGPA) of 2 out of 4.

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Director of Special Education program

College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences 
Al Ain University

P.O.Box: 64141
Al Ain - UAE

Phone No: +971 3 7024888
Fax No: +971 3 7024777

E-mail(Al Ain): Special.Education@aau.ac.ae
E-mail(Abu Dhabi): Special.Education_ad@aau.ac.ae