Requirements & Courses

Learn to identify patterns of students’ strengths and weaknesses, and specify intervention strategies to assist in learning. Introduction to the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating the progress of an IEP. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.

Introduction to characteristics and categories of exceptional children, birth through adulthood. Learn the rules and regulations concerning provision of special education and related services. Discussion of historical and legal issues. Learn to develop, implement, and evaluate the progress of an IEP. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.

Work with children identified with a learning disability and collaboratively plan interventions/services including diagnosis, assessment, and specific remedial techniques. Experience the IEP process including the creation of goals and objectives which frame special education children’s learning. Identify and discuss rules of confidentiality. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Winter only.

Includes the study of the characteristics of children with learning disabilities and interventions/services for these individuals including diagnosis, assessment, and specific remedial techniques. Understand and implement research based theories and philosophies through lesson planning and field placement. Discussion of correlating factors leading to identification. Required for Special Education K-12 major. Winter only.

Covers various life management theories in relation to all curriculum subjects. Students develop skills to effectively manage children’s behaviors and to be effective classroom managers. Engage in strategic planning in the areas of: study skills, self-management, problem solving, reasoning, coping skills, and self-determination skills. Fall only.

Examination of the methods of identification, assessment, and instructional planning for individuals with learning disabilities. Curriculum design and modification/adaptation of instructional materials for struggling children in the special education and general education setting are covered. A variety of classroom practices and strategies which emphasize and promote individual motivation, classroom management, transition planning, the use of assistive technology, and meeting the needs of diverse children are analyzed. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.

Exploration of brain development and characteristics of children with learning disabilities from early childhood through adolescence. A focus on understanding ways of helping children with learning disabilities succeed through the use of instructional planning, technology, and inclusive education. Analysis of useful and creative strategies for teaching struggling individuals and understanding the importance and practicality of building support systems with parents, general education teachers, and other community resources. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Winter only.

Demonstration of the understanding of the IEP process by evaluating how goals and objectives are formulated to frame children’s learning. Goals within an IEP are identified and an instructional unit implemented incorporating appropriate teaching strategies. Individual growth as a result of the interventions is measured and the success of the instructional methods is analyzed and evaluated. Appropriate individual performance assessments are created. The ability to modify instruction based on assessment data is demonstrated. Includes 30 hours of Elementary/Middle/High placement. Pass/Fail only. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.

Preparation and planning for the development of curriculum and individualized teaching methodology appropriate for individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Basic principles of instructional design are discussed. Appropriate child performance assessments are created with students demonstrating the ability to modify instruction based on assessment data. Current practices and problems of instructing students with learning disabilities are addressed. Required for Special Education-Learning Disabilities K-12 major. Fall only.

This course provides pre-service teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete a comprehensive educational evaluation, interpret the results, and develop an instructional plan to address individual youth needs and deficits. Formal and informal assessment procedures are examined and include the evaluation of reading, language, mathematics, social/emotional development, vocational and transitional needs. Techniques for communicating test results are discussed. FERPA rules are addressed. Students will be working in the field on a full-time basies during the final 6-weeks of this course to study the content in the field. Fall or Winter as determined by department.

Work collaboratively to discuss strategic planning for students with learning difficulties. Design and prepare to implement models of collaboration that enhance the participation of special education students within the general education environment. Discuss current topics in special education. Fall or Winter as determined by department.

An 8 week directed teaching experience in a special education classroom setting under the guidance of a special education professional. The special education teacher and candidate work collaboratively to discuss strategic planning and accommodations for students with learning difficulties. The candidate will design and prepare to implement units of instruction and will work collaboratively to ensure learning for special education students in a pull-out setting and within the general education environment. Students will differentiate instruction for remediation and modify general education curriculum for student diverse learning needs. Fall or Winter as determined by department.