Special Education Courses
Course offerings reflect the 2024-2025 catalog. One unit of credit equals four semester hours.
An introduction to the characteristics of children with cognitive, social, emotional and physical disabilities and educational principles applicable for them. Includes education principles, methods and materials that may be useful in meeting the varying needs of learners with disabilities.
Prerequisite: admission to an education program; non-majors must have consent of the instructor.
.75 credit
An introduction to curriculum, the underlying principles of instructional planning and the beginning skills for instructional delivery and classroom management. Matching materials to the students’ needs and their developmental levels through the evaluation, selection and adaptation of curricular materials and technologies will be introduced.
Prerequisites: EDU 223 and EDU 311. Fall Term
.25 credit
An introductory practicum requiring directed and supervised preclinical experiences in curriculum, planning and instruction. The majority of the preclinical experiences will be in diverse instructional settings prearranged and supervised by program faculty.
Prerequisites: EDU 223 and EDU 311. Completed concurrently with SPE 300. Fall Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the development of language skills and the provision of support for meeting the literacy needs of the diverse learner, K-12. Focus areas include reading foundations, methodological approaches, emerging literary skills, remediation, developmental reading instruction, content area reading support, materials and resources.
Prerequisites: EDU 223 and EDU 311. Fall Term.
.75 credit
A study of the collaborative processes and communication skills necessary for effective interaction among parents, professionals, paraprofessionals and students in providing services for individuals with disabilities. Roles, rights and responsibilities of all team members will be reviewed. January Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the development and the diverse educational, physical, motor, communication, social-emotional and cognitive needs of students with moderate/severe disabilities. Research on and implications for appropriate diagnosis, service delivery and instructional methodology are examined.
Prerequisites: EDU 223 and EDU 311.
.75 credit
An advanced study of curriculum trends including both general and special education settings. Methods and materials for teaching at PreK through high school levels, the use of assistive technologies and augmentative communication system components and the decisions involved in selecting these components for individual students.
Prerequisite: SPE 300. Spring Term.
.25 credit
A practicum that requires directed and supervised pre-clinical experiences in curriculum, planning and instruction for Pre–K–12 diverse learners. The majority of the pre-clinical experiences will be in diverse instructional settings prearranged and supervised by program faculty.
Prerequisite: SPE 300. Completed concurrently with SPE 350. Spring Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the special methodology, materials and approaches for teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities. Educational assessment strategies, components in individualized education programs and the design of strategic instructional approaches are reviewed.
Prerequisites: EDU 223 and EDU 311. Fall Term.
.75 Credit
An advanced study of the application of integrated behavioral theory in the management and the influence of behavior in educational settings. Focus areas include strategies that promote positive social interaction, functional assessment of behavior, proactive behavior interventions and the supports and tactics to address significant behavior problems.
Prerequisite: SPE 350. Fall Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the assessment, curriculum development and instruction in meaningful curriculum design including functional academics; critical life skills; and communication, social and mobility areas. Authentic assessment strategies, components in individualized education programs and the implementation of functional curricula across settings is studied.
Prerequisite: SPE 300. Spring Term.
.50 credit
An advanced study of the characteristics, needs and supports for individuals with physical, health and sensory impairments. Common medical conditions and health impairments, the effects of various medications and the specialized health care needs at school will be covered.
Prerequisite: SPE 300. Spring Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the assessment, diagnosis and remediation of reading problems, with a focus on methodological approaches for evaluating, planning and organizing remedial reading instruction, content area reading support, materials and resources for students with reading difficulties.
Prerequisites: SPE 350, ELM 350. SPE 440 is a prerequisite for EDU 445. The two courses may be taken concurrently only with permission of the EDU 445 instructor. Fall and Spring Term.
.50 credit
An advanced study of the theories, methods and materials used to teach mathematics with a focus on evaluating, planning and organizing multi-sensory instruction for students having difficulties with mathematics.
Prerequisites: ELM 350 or SPE 350. Fall and Spring Term.
.75 credit
An advanced study of the theories, methods and materials used to teach mathematics with a focus on evaluating, planning and organizing multi-sensory instruction for students having difficulties with mathematics.
Prerequisites: SPE 350. Fall Term
3.0 credits
The supervised student teaching experiences are designed to provide student teachers with the opportunity to develop, refine and demonstrate those competencies that are essential for effective teaching in special education classrooms. The student teacher will be evaluated on the basis of the behaviors described on the special education student teacher evaluation form in addition satisfactory completion of assignments and course objectives.
Prerequisite: SPE 450. Pass/No Pass grading.
Individually designed course under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Education.