Special Education

Courses

SPED 207: Exceptionalities and Diversities

This course introduces students to the various exceptionalities and diversities found in general and special education classrooms. Teacher candidates examine characteristics of exceptional learners, appropriate accommodations and modifications, instruction, assistive technology, the continuum of services, and the consultation and collaborative models of instruction. Special emphasis is given to a cultural perspective on learning within the general classroom environment. A15-hour field experience is required.

SPED 207X: Field Experience: Exceptionalities and Diversities

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 208: The Special Education Process

This course examines the history of special education and the resulting special education process. Students actively participate in the referral process for special education, creating individualized education and transition plans through a variety of class activities and simulations. Special emphasis is on the role of the family system in the special education process, due process rights and responsibilities, theories in special education, and current legislation and litigation. Students are also introduced to specialized curriculum options in special education. A 15-hour field experience is required.

SPED 208X: Field Experience: Special Educ Process

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 212: Autism I: Characteristics and Instruction

This course provides an intensive look at the characteristics, identification, and instructional service delivery systems available for students with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other developmental delays. Specific instructional program features and the various origins and interventions of autism are emphasized. A 15-hour field experience is required. (This course may be taken for credit as SPED 512.)

SPED 212X: Field Experience: Autism I: Characteristics and Instruction

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 312: Autism II: Teaching Internship and Advanced Research

This course provides an opportunity for students to work in the field with students with autism. Special emphasis is on the implementation of research-validated teaching strategies, community-based instruction, home planning, and data collection and analysis. Current and controversial research in the field of autism is also examined and debated. A 15-hour field experience is required. (This course may be taken for credit as SPED 612.)

SPED 312X: Field Experience Autism II: Teaching Internship and Advanced Research

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 320: Assessment and Methods in Special Education I

This course is the first of two on assessments and methods in special education. Students are introduced to a variety of types of formal and informal assessments related to reading, spelling, and written language. Students gain proficiency in administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized tests used in the identification and evaluation of students in special education. Students create written assessment reports with interventions and various forms of curriculum-based assessments. Special emphasis is on the practice and creation of materials appropriate for the areas of fluency, reading comprehension, decoding, strategy instruction, spelling, and written language. A 15-hour field experience is required.

SPED 320X: Field Experience: Assessment and Methods in Special Education I

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 330: Assessment and Methods in Special Education II

This course is a continuation of Assessments and Methods in Special Education I. Students conduct formal and informal assessments in the areas of mathematics, social skills, and behavior. Functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans are created and specific curricula are examined and practiced. Special emphasis is on the functional life skills curriculum and on school-to-work initiatives. A 15-hour field experience is required.

SPED 330X: Field Experience: Assessment and Methods in Special Education II

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 450: Current Issues and Trends in Special Education

This course is an examination of the current issues and trends in the field of special education. A variety of legal, ethical, social, and vocational issues are reviewed, analyzed, and discussed. In addition, students reflect on their varied experiences in special education and create a personal philosophy of special education.

SPED 475: Professional Internship

This course provides for participation in an educational program appropriate to the student’s area of study and potential employment. Students apply the skills and knowledge gained in the designated program to the selected internship experience.

SPED 512: Autism I: Characteristics and Instruction

This course provides an intensive look at the characteristics, identification, and instructional service delivery systems available for students with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other developmental delays. Specific instructional program features and the various origins and interventions of autism are emphasized. A 15-hour field experience is required. (This course may be taken for credit as SPED 212.)

SPED 512X: Field Experience: Autism I: Characteristics and Instruction

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).

SPED 612: Autism II: Teaching Internship and Advanced Research

This course provides an opportunity for students to work in the field with students with autism. Special emphasis is on the implementation of research-validated teaching strategies, community-based instruction, home planning, and data collection and analysis. Current and controversial research in the field of autism is also examined and debated. A 15-hour field experience is required. (This course may be taken for credit as SPED 612.)

SPED 612X: Field Experience: Autism II: Teaching Internship and Advanced Research

Field and clinical experiences provide opportunities for teaching candidates to apply knowledge, skill and dispositions in a variety of settings appropriate to the content and level of each program of study. Field and clinical experiences are approved and completed under the direction of the institution of higher education and cooperating teacher(s).