This course explores selection, administration and interpretation of assessments related to special needs learners, particularly those used to assess intelligence, aptitude, and achievement; communication of results to school professionals, students, and parents/caregivers; and applications to classroom settings. Students should be generally familiar with assessment and referral processes. Includes field assignments.
SPED753 - Assistive Technology in Education
This course is an in-depth exploration of current technology available for adaptive, assistive, and instructional applications. Students research and evaluate available applications and develop a professional resource file.
SPED712 - Curriculum & Resources in SPED
This course provides experience in curriculum planning and instruction that meets the needs of special education learners with specific disabilities. Requires classroom observation and teaching.
SPED721 - Inclusive Education
This course provides knowledge and resources related to teaching special needs learners in an inclusive classroom. Topics include collaborating with other professionals to plan and deliver instruction, co-teaching, classroom management techniques, behavior interventions, assistive technology, and appropriate modifications, adaptations, and accommodations. Requires classroom observation and teaching.
SPED711 - Learners with Special Needs
This course provides information on characteristics of special needs learners, including physical, emotional, and learning disabilities, with a focus on how these needs may affect classroom organization, planning, and instruction. Introduces assessment, models of special education delivery, and multiple perspectives on educating special needs learners. Requires classroom observations.
SPED722 - Policy, Law, & Disability
This course provides in-depth understanding of federal and state laws and regulations related to special education. Introduces resources for special needs learners, parents or care-takers, and teachers, including school professionals, services available in area communities, advocacy groups, professional associations, mental health care professionals, and medical professionals. Includes focus on collaboration among these various groups to support special needs learners and their families. Recommended prerequisites: SPED 711, SPED 712.
SPED795 - Practicum: Moderate Disabilities PK - 8
This course provides a minimum of 300 hours of student teaching in two different classrooms under the supervision of qualified professionals. May be full time in an inclusive general education classroom or 75 hours in an inclusive general education classroom and 225 hours in a classroom for students with moderate disabilities. Includes a weekly seminar to discuss issues such as planning, teaching, collaboration, and moral and ethical aspects of teaching. Prerequisites: Pass all required MTEL; cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0; complete at least 27 credits in the graduate education program.