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Special Education

Course Code
SPED 502  Credits
Title Characteristics of Students with Mild Disabilities 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of definitions, identification, assessment, characteristics, educational strategies, and program models for children and youth with high-incidence, mild disabilities. The course will specifically focus on the high-incidence disabilities of Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, High Functioning Autism, Mild Developmental/Cognitive Disabilities, and other mild disabilities such as Other Health Impairments and ADHD.  



Course Code
SPED 503  Credits
Title Methods: Mild Disabilities 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Course addresses teaching theories, strategies and techniques for teaching students with mild disabilities including Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, High Functioning Autism, Mild Developmental/Cognitive Disabilities and other related mild disabilities such as Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Health Impairments (ex: ADHD). Course covers teaching methods across specific content areas as well as assistive technology and other teaching practices(ex: co-teaching). 



Course Code
SPED 504  Credits
Title Best Practices in Teaching I 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is designed especially for special education students to explore foundations of curriculum and become familiar with curricular issues in general education, including standard-based instruction, current educational practices and debates, local and statewide assessments as well as practical applications of technology. 



Course Code
SPED 513  Credits
Title Teaching in Inclusive Environments 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course focuses on current best practices in teaching students with identified needs in inclusive environments. The class places emphasis on the use of technology, assistive technology, lesson planning, and assessment to facilitate success of all students in inclusive settings. Students will develop and expand their knowledge of instructional strategies and lesson planning connected to state and/or Common Core Standards. 



Course Code
SPED 514  Credits
Title IEP Policies and Methods 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course will address key issues regarding the collaborative development of the Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is the cornerstone of services for students identified as having a specific disability in need of special education services. Students will learn best practices for collaborative IEP development and creation. The development of a clearly written document including all parts of the IEP will be drafted and finalized into accurate, sound documents. 



Course Code
SPED 519  Credits
Title Biomedical Aspects 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is designed to help you understand the medical aspects and terminology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, kinesiology, neurology, secondary health care issues, accompany specific physical and health disabilities, specific condition needs, managing personal care, first aid techniques, and evacuation procedures. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent. 



Course Code
SPED 523  Credits
Title Foundations of Early Intervention/ECSE 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Examination of the legal history, program models, and approaches to services for young children with disabilities and their families. Research on the efficacy of early intervention and aspects of family systems is reviewed. Current issues in service provision, teaming, and individual program plans are also included in the course. Details regarding disability-specific characteristics and effective interventions, assistive technology, accommodations & other services are featured.  



Course Code
SPED 524  Credits
Title Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Examines assessment instruments and procedures with infants, toddlers, preschoolers with disabilities. Approaches to identification, screening, assessment selection and programming are explored. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent. 



Course Code
SPED 526  Credits
Title Fundamental Strategies for Early Intervention and ECSE 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course facilitates the development of effective service coordination and teaching/coaching skills for professionals in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) ages 0-6. An emphasis is placed on using evaluation and assessment information to plan developmentally appropriate individualized programs (IEPs) in the least restrictive environments for young children (3-6) with a variety of disabilities or delays. Importance is placed on activity and play-based intervention and methods for use with children with motor, sensory, health, communication, social-emotional and/or cognitive disabilities within inclusive PreK/K settings. Course content also provides a foundation for coaching parents and other primary caregivers of infants and toddlers with disabilities/delays in natural environments through early intervention services (birth-2). Focus is placed on early childhood atypical and typical development, family-centered care, routines-based intervention in natural environments, criterion-based curriculum for birth-age 2 intervention planning, conducting family-centered home visits, partnering with community services, and coordination and development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).  



Course Code
SPED 527  Credits
Title Instructional Strategies: Preschool 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The focus of this course will be knowledge and skills required to design and implement individual and group instructional programs for children with special needs from 3-6 years. The development of instructional objectives and systematic teaching strategies in motor, cognitive, social , communication and self-care skills will be emphasized. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent. 



Course Code
SPED 530  Credits
Title Foundation of Reading and Writing Methods 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description In this first of two literacy intervention courses, candidates will learn pedagogy that supports the development of reading and writing. By knowing and understanding the foundation of literacy & literacy instruction, candidates will begin to explore instructional practices, focusing on developing a holistic framework for teaching. 



Course Code
SPED 531  Credits
Title Survey of Autism Spectrum Disorders 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is designed to immerse the learner in text, research, and data describing the characteristics and defining qualities of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The significance of early identification and intervention across the five primary autism spectrum disorders will be analyzed. Best practices for intervention including collaboration, communication, and observation strategies will be introduced. 



Course Code
SPED 532  Credits
Title Identification and Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is designed to immerse the learner in current topics regarding effective screening and assessment for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Students will examine the eligibility criteria for ASD and will become skilled in the identification and assessment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Students will become familiar with the selection of, use of, and interpretation of appropriate screening and assessment tools and will be able to create a comprehensive evaluation report based upon assessment results. 



Course Code
SPED 534  Credits
Title Instructional Strategies for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course will focus on identifying and meeting the educational needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders across educational environments. Participants will learn to develop effective instructional and transitional strategies based upon a student's individual strengths and needs. Curriculum content will address social, communication, academic and functional skills domains. 



Course Code
SPED 536  Credits
Title Communication Strategies & Social Skills for Students with ASD 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course will focus on identifying and meeting the social and communication needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Course participants will learn to develop effective interventions and education strategies for teaching communication skills while addressing and supporting the development and the maintenance of social skills. Curriculum content will address skills across environments. 



Course Code
SPED 543  Credits
Title Consultation and Collaboration in Special Education and Human Services 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Understanding and development of professional consultation and collaboration skills to initiate and apply appropriate and effective teaming techniques for assessment, intervention, and evaluation via transdisciplinary approaches for special needs students/clients and their caregivers. 



Course Code
SPED 545  Credits
Title Methods of Reading Intervention 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Second in a series of two methods courses where candidates will learn and apply knowledge and pedagogy that support the development of reading and writing in children with disabilities. By knowing and understanding the premise of literacy development and intervention, candidates will explore effective instructional, assessment, and intervention practices. 



Course Code
SPED 547  Credits
Title Physical & Health Disabilities 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This course is designed to provide you with up-to-date information on the needs of the students in your school who have experienced periods of poor health or physical adversity. This course provides you an understanding of how students' illnesses or disabling conditions affect their everyday lives. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent. 



Course Code
SPED 555  Credits
Title Characteristics of Students with Learning and Behavior Problems 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of definitions, identification, assessment, characteristics, educational strategies, and program models for children and youth with learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavior disorders. 



Course Code
SPED 556  Credits
Title Functional Curriculum and Assessment 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities as well as a functional, life-skills orientation to assessment and curriculum that involves both academic and life skills instruction. Students will perform both informal and formal assessment, write an assessment report, and develop curriculum which allows for integration of students with identified cognitive impairments. Prerequisite substitutions require instructor consent.