Course Offerings

Special Education

Level III field experiences require full days for a two-to-three week period of clinically supervised teaching and learning activities in public school classrooms.

SPED 100  INTRODUCTION TO PERSONS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES.  A survey of the various exceptionalities and implications of education; the history and philosophy of special education; and state and federal legislation affecting special education.  Includes a Level I field experience.         2-3

SPED 235  SPECIAL CHILDREN.  An overview of the physiological, psychological and cultural characteristics of high-risk preschool children; strategies for designing and establishing early intervention programs. Prerequisite: SPED 100.      3

SPED 291  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a special education topic with help from instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.                                                                    1-4

SPED 292  TOPICS.  Introductory topics in special education. Before registering for the following courses, the student must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Refer to section on Admission, Teacher of Education Program.               1-3

SPED 340  CREATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING.  Research-supported instructional strategies and practices, with an emphasis on curriculum development and assessment for gifted learners. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education.   3

SPED 395  PRACTICUM.  Supervised practicum in an educational setting for gifted learners. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.        3

SPED 400  TEACHING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOM.  The course presents practical strategies for adapting standard instruction to meet the learning needs of all students in general education classrooms with emphasis on groups of students with special needs; students with disabilities; gifted and talented learners; culturally and linguistically diverse individuals; and students at risk for school failure. Includes a Level III field experience. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education.                                                                       2

SPED 413  SERVING STUDENTS WITH MR, DD & SEVERE DISABILITIES. This course the study of instructional strategies, materials and equipment specific to the instruction of students with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and severe disabilities. Includes a Level II field experience. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education.                    3

SPED 431 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. The course covers the development, selection, administration and interpretation of assessment instruments and strategies used to determine whether students have a disability and require special education or related services and to evaluate their level of performance to develop and monitor progress on individual education program. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education            2-3

SPED 442  SERVING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES.  Examination of how children evidencing a learning disability or mild mental retardation can have their academic, social/emotional needs met in inclusive settings and/or the more traditional special education setting. This course includes a practicum experience to be done while completing the Level III experiences and will entail demonstrating skills acquired in the college classroom. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education.                                         3

SPED 450  GIFTED AND TALENTED. This course focuses on the nature and needs of the gifted child. 3

SPED 451 CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION IN GIFTED EDUCATION.  This course focuses on curriculum development and teaching strategies for the gifted.                                                             3

SPED 460 FAMILY SYSTEMS AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION. This covers the collaboration and communication sills necessary to work within family systems and the use of resources and services supporting birth through lifespan services, multidisciplinary team functioning, and the placement committee processes.                                                    2-3

SPED 462  BEHAVORIAL DISORDERS.  Emphasis on the principles and practices involved in effective diagnosis and curriculum development for children with emotional and/or behavorial problems. Includes a Level II field experience.     3

SPED 465  COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.  ISTE Foundation Standards will be studied for the implementation and management of computers in the special education setting. A functional curriculum framework for designing computer learning activities and experiences appropriate for children and adolescents with learning problems will be developed. Other points of emphasis will be computer adaptive equipment, multicultural concerns, and developing critical thinking skills with the use of the computer. Includes a Level II field experience. Prerequisites: SPED 100, CSC 105 and Admission to Teacher Education.                                                       3

SPED 466  ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION.  Comprehensive study of procedures used in the organization of special education programs; includes legal provisions relevant to special education. Includes a  Level II field experience.    Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program, SPED 100 and nine hours of Special Education.        3

SPED 488  STUDENT TEACHING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.  Supervised placement in a special education classroom.  Students assume full responsibility for planning, instruction, evaluation, and classroom management during their experience. Prerequisite: Student teaching fee assessed.          1-16

SPED 491  INDEPENDENT STUDY.  A student independently studies a special education topic with help from instructor.    1-3

SPED 492  TOPICS.  Advanced topics in special education.   1-4

SPED 495  PRACTICUM.  Examination of how to serve children in inclusionary K-8 settings as well as special education settings who evidence mild learning problems. Techniques and strategies reviewed in class as well as those employed by the child’s teacher are implemented in these inclusive settings. A minimum of twenty (20) hours of direct on site experience is required. Prior Application Required and Consent of Instructor.    1-2