The Elementary Special Education (SPEL) program is a unique program that provides students with training both in elementary education as well as special education methods and prepares graduates to be both special education teachers and general education teachers who have the knowledge and skills to work with students with diverse learning needs.
Students graduate from this program with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education earning teaching licensure in both Elementary (grades one-six) and Special Education (grade K-age 22).
Students can enter the program in their junior year after taking integrated curriculum and prerequisite courses in their freshman and sophomore years. The program is very transfer friendly with minimal prerequisites required (EDU 104, 311, 223, and MTH 325).
The program is a cohort program and is organized into four “blocks” or semesters. In blocks one-three (junior year through fall semester of senior year) students take elementary and special education methods courses and participate in field experiences in both types of settings. They also gain experience working with students with and without disabilities including those with mild to severe/profound disabilities. Courses are taught by both elementary and special education faculty and students are combined with those from other majors (SPE, ELM, and EYC) in all of their courses providing a rich and diverse learning experience. In their final block/semester of the program, students will student teach in both special and general education settings at the elementary level.
Upon graduation students will be in high demand given their unique training to work with students with a variety of learning needs.
Suggested Course Sequence
Fall Term
- ENG 105 Composition I
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Spring Term
- EDU 104 Cultural Foundations of Education in the United States
- ENG 106 Composition II
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Fall Term
- EDU 223 Education of PK-12 Learners with Exceptionalities
- MTH 325 Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Spring Term
- EDU 311 Educational Psychology (prerequisites: ENG 106, EDU 104)
- Integrated Curriculum Requirements
Fall Term (Block I)
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SPE 300 Introduction to Curriculum, Planning and Instruction (.75 credit)
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SPE 301 Special Education Practicum I (.25 credit)
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ELM 314 K-12 Literacy Instructional Strategies and Interventions (.75 credit)
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SPE 434 Curriculum, Assessment, Instructional Strategies for Learners with High Incidence Disabilities (.75 credit)
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SPE 338 Characteristics of Learners with Exceptionalities (.75 credit)
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ELM 341 Primary Classroom Methods in Elementary Mathematics, Science and Social Science (1.0 credit)
Spring Term (Block II)
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SPE 350 Curriculum, Instruction and Assistive Technology (.75 credit)
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SPE 352 Special Education Practicum II (.25 credit)
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ELM 352 Elementary Education Practicum in Intermediate Classrooms (.25 credit)
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SPE 438 Curriculum, Assessment, Instructional Strategies for Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities (.75 credit)
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TEL 317 Methods and Materials for Teaching English Language Learners (.75 credit)
- ELM 372 Methods and Materials for Literacy Learners in Diverse Intermediate and Middle-Level Classrooms (.75 credit)
- ELM 382 Intermediate Classroom Methods in Elementary Mathematics, Science and Social Science (1.0 credit)
Fall Term (Block III)
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SPE 440 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties (.75 credit)
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SPE 435 The Learning Environment/Positive Behavior Support (.75 credit)
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SPE 443 Remediation of Difficulties in Understanding and Applying Mathematics (.75 credit)
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SPE 450 Special Education Practicum: Collaboration and Professional Practice (1.0 credit)
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SPE 439 Characteristics and Specific Needs of Students with Physical, Health and Sensory Impairments (.5 credit)
Spring Term (Block IV)
- SPE 458 Student Teaching in Special Education (1.5 credit)
- ELM 451 Student Teaching in Elementary Education (1.5 credit)
- SPE 498 Capstone Seminar (0.5 credit)
Get Started
Completing Elementary Special Education Prerequisites at a Community College
Planning to complete the program’s prerequisites at a community college prior to transferring? Use the advising sheets below to determine which courses you need to enroll in at the community college of your choice so you are prepared to apply to the SPE program.
