Special Education
The Special Education Program at Southwest Minnesota State University offers a master's degree in Special Education with a choice of licensure areas in Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Developmental Disabilities (DD/DCD), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD), or Learning Disabilities (LD/SLD). A bachelor's degree in Special Education: Academic Behavioral Strategist or Early Childhood Special Education and a minor in Special Education are also available.
The Vision
Inclusive communities of practice investigating teaching and learning.
The Mission
The mission of the Professional Education programs at SMSU is to create inclusive communities of practice where each learner is an active participant in the investigation of learning, teaching, and leadership processes. Teachers and learners will engage in educational theory, research, inquiry, critical reflection, and application in pursuit of excellence in a culturally responsive education.
The Program
This program supports the departmental concept of “Communities of Practice Investigating Learning and Teaching.” The standards and best practices of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) and its various divisions are embedded in the competencies of this program of study. Participants will build knowledge in subject matter, instructional practices, and the learning/teaching process. Participants will integrate current research into effective practices and develop the leadership capacities necessary to implement effective educational practices in local settings. When participants complete the program, they continue to take responsibility to expand their own learning and leadership capacity.
Candidates demonstrate competencies through a portfolio process.
Bachelor's Degree Program
The Special Education Undergraduate Program at Southwest Minnesota State University offers two degree programs in special education with the choice of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Academic Behavior Specialist (ABS).
Master's Degree Program
Candidates are welcome to pursue more than one licensure area. Please visit the SMSU Graduate Web site:https://online.smsu.edu/programs/ms-special-education/specializations/ or contact Graduate Admissions at 1-800-642-0684, ext. 6819 or GraduateOffice@SMSU.edu for additional information and admission requirements.
The program is offered online.
Graduate Policies
- Students must have earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Students may transfer a maximum of nine (9) semester credits of previous graduate work from other accredited universities to SMSU.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to complete the graduate program. “D” grades in graduate courses are not acceptable.
- Students have seven (7) years from the date of their first course registration to complete all requirements for the Master’s Degree.
Early Childhood Special Education
ECSE 422 ECSE Foundations Credits: 3
Foundations in the field of early childhood special education. This includes history, philosophical perspectives, characteristics, policy, and collaboration.
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 432 Infants, Toddlers, & Families in ECSE & Lab Credits: 3
Current research and recommended practices for early intervention will guide the study of methods, materials, and transitions employed in natural environments with typically and atypically developing infants and toddlers, birth through 35 months. The key role of the family is integrated into the course and includes working with families in the IFSP/IEP development process. This course involves a 15-hour field experience.
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 441 Assessment and Curriculum in Early Childhood Special Education & Lab Credits: 4
This course is designed to provide individuals seeking the early childhood special educator license with an opportunity to integrate and reflect on theory and practice related to the evaluation, planning, and supporting preschoolers (ages birth through 6) with diverse abilities. Specifically, individuals will have opportunities to learn various assessment strategies and tools, practice implementing a comprehensive evaluation, develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and design individual, small and large group activities to meet a childs IEP goals in an inclusive early childhood setting. This course includes 30-hours field experience in an integrated public school Early Childhood Special Education setting ages birth through age 6.
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 442 Programming for ECSE Credits: 3
A study of current research and evidence-based practices for instructional, medical, and social needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary students, ages birth through 6, and their families.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 452 Transitions in ECSE Credits: 2
This course will prepare the candidate for assessment, the educational process, and transitions for young children with special needs. Topics include collaboration with families to determine appropriate individualized planning and placements of young children birth through age 6.
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 459 Professional Development & Action Research Credits: 1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their Pre-Student Teaching Experience.
Pre-Requisite : ED 458
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 459L Pre-Student Teaching Experience Credits: 0-1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their pre-student teaching experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 462 Student Teaching in ECSE Credits: 12
A supervised student teaching experience providing an opportunity to relate theory to practice in a home- and center-based educational setting for infants/toddlers/preschoolers birth through age 6.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 467 Advanced Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Credits: 6
This course is intended for candidates seeking more than one initial licensure. Candidates need to complete a minimum of two full-time student teaching weeks in the scope and content of the licensure area sought.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 482 Advanced Practicum Credits: 6
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice in home-based and center-based educational settings for children identified as ECSE between the ages of birth and 6 years old. Candidates will have a minimum of 40 hours in a home-based setting, and the remaining hours in a center-based setting.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
Special Education
SPED 200 Introduction to Special Needs Lab Credits: 1
This course is intended to provide a field experience in integrated special education settings and aid the student in valuing diversity and inclusion. This is intended for transfer students who need an introductory field experience. This is equivalent to the SPED 290 lab, which is 15 hours.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion Summer Department Discretion
Course Outline
SPED 286 Special Topics Credits: 1-4
A study of more advanced topics in special education not normally provided as part of the curriculum.
Course Outline
SPED 290 Introduction to Special Needs and Lab Credits: 3
This course provides information on the various exceptionalities and facilitates understanding of the basic special needs education services provided to children with disabilities, and includes gifted and talented. Topics include federal and state mandates, planning with parents, team approaches, teaching methodologies, and curriculum modifications and adaptations. A portfolio, reflective journal, and field experience will assist students in valuing diversity and inclusion.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 400 Field Experience in Special Education Credits: 0-2
This course is intended to provide a field experience in integrated special education settings and aid the student in valuing diversity and inclusion. The number of contact hours will be based on the credits taken. This is intended for transfer students who need an introductory field experience or for students taking the special education core and need a one credit companion field experience. This lab may be taken only once for no credit as an undergraduate or twice for one credit (undergraduate or graduate) in different settings.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 423 Positive Classroom & Behavior Mgmt Strategies for SPED Classroom & Lab Credits: 3
The Positive Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for the Special Education Classroom course will focus on specific classroom management styles congruent with inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms. It will also focus on learning strategies to effectively manage and teach students who exhibit high behavioral needs in a proactive, positive manner. . Teacher candidates cooperatively plan and teach content and skill objectives during a field experience/lab in a birth - age 21 setting with diverse learners.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 430 Foundations in Mild to Moderate Disabilities Credits: 3
This course provides the characteristics and educational programming for mild to moderate disabilities, including emotional behavior disorders, learning disabilities, developmental cognitive disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and other health disorders.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and sophomore status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 440 Assessment & Educational Planning & Lab Credits: 4
This course provides strategies for planning assessment, concepts of measurement, interpretation of assessment results, and their use in making programming decisions for individual students in special education.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and junior status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 443 Diseases and Disorders in Childhood Credits: 3
This course focuses on understanding the medical diseases and disorders of childhood ages birth through 18 and the implications and potential impacts of these diseases and disorders on student learning. This course is designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills needed to work with children with physical and health disorders, including knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, kinesiology, neurology, secondary health care issues with specific disabilities, specific condition needs, managing personal physical care, first aid techniques, and evacuation procedures.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
SPED 450 Curriculum Design & Implementation in Special Education Credits: 3
A course in the best practices and procedures in curriculum instruction techniques and performance evaluation for all exceptionalities. Application in the process of individualized programming and modification/accommodation plans in integrated educational settings, use of assistive technologies, and adaptive techniques will be covered.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and sophomore status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 458 Pre-Student Teaching Experience Credits: 3
This course will help the teacher candidate begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Candidates taking this course will complete their Pre-Student Teaching Experience for 10 full days.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 459 Professional Development & Action Research Credits: 1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their Pre-Student Teaching Experience.
Pre-Requisite : ED 458
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 459L Pre-Student Teaching Experience Credits: 0-1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their pre-student teaching experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 460 Positive Behavior Support in Special Education Credits: 3
A course in theories of behavior, functional behavior assessment, and the laws, policies, and ethical principles regarding the planning and implementation of positive behavior supports for students with challenging behavior.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and sophomore status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 465 Advanced Practicum Credits: 6
This course is intended for licensed teachers seeking an additional licensure or endorsement. Candidates need to complete a minimum of 80 hours in the scope and content of the licensure area sought. Advanced Practicum candidate hours and grade bands will be determined by the evaluation of practicum candidate experience.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 466 Student Teaching K-12 Special Education Credits: 12
Supervised semester long field experience, required for K-12 Special Education licensure fields, in kindergarten - Grade 12 classrooms, evaluated by a classroom supervisor and a University supervisor. Students demonstrate Teacher Education program outcomes and present a portfolio at a final conference. Admission to Teacher Education program required.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 467 Advanced Student Teaching in Special Education Credits: 6
This course is intended for students who are not yet licensed but who are completing the requirements for a second or third, etc., licensure field. Additional weeks of supervised practice teaching in the area of Special Education in an elementary and/or secondary school setting.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 468 Student Teaching in a Special Education Residency Program I Credits: 6
A supervised year-long clinical experience, in the scope and content of licensure area sought, evaluated by a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Teacher candidates demonstrate Teacher Preparation Program outcomes through a portfolio and a board-adopted performance assessment.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 469 Student Teaching in a Special Education Residency Program II Credits: 6
A supervised year-long clinical experience, in the scope and content of licensure area sought, evaluated by a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor, Teacher candidates demonstrate Teacher Preparation Program outcomes through a portfolio and a board-adopted performance assessment.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 470 Collaboration in Educational Settings Credits: 3
An understanding of the issues, resources, and techniques of communication, collaboration, consultation, and transitions for children, their families, the school, and all stakeholders in regular and special education settings. This includes professional reflection and development. The role of mental health professionals and agencies is included.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 and sophomore status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 480 Procedural Safeguards in Special Education Credits: 3
Procedural safeguards for legal, judicial, medical, and educational systems that serve students with disabilities are studied, which includes due process and transition.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and junior status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 481 Compliant Practices in IEP Writing Credits: 3
This course will explore in depth the components of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students will gain experience in writing all components of IEPs and as well as evaluate IEPs for compliance and best practice.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290
Course Outline
SPED 485 Autism Spectrum Disorders:Issues & Needs Credits: 3
This course provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders for individuals from birth through age 21. Identification and legal requirements, current theories and practices, medical and neurological perspectives, social/behavioral characteristics, and coexisting conditions will be studied with an understanding that educators rely on the assistance of a partnership with parents.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 290 OR EDSP 290 and sophomore status.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 486 Special Topics Credits: 1-4
A study of more advanced topics in special education not normally provided as part of the curriculum.
Course Outline
SPED 490 Trends & Traditions in Special Education Credits: 1
This course is intended to provide elective forums on topics of current importance in the field of special education as well as traditional and longstanding topics and methods in SPED.
Course Outline
SPED 494 Independent Study Credits: 1-4
This course allows students to do an in-depth, independent exploration of a topic for a better understanding in the field of Special Education.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
SPED 499 Internship Credits: 1-6
This course involves on-the-job experience. It requires discussion of experience and problems with internship advisor, as well as significant oral and written reports summarizing the learning involved in the field of Special Education.
Course Outline
Early Childhood Special Education
ECSE 559 Professional Development & Action Research Credits: 1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their Pre-Student Teaching Experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 559L Pre-Student Teaching Experience Credits: 0-1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their pre-student teaching experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 622 ECSE Foundations Credits: 3
Foundations in the field of early childhood special education. This includes history, philosophical perspectives, characteristics, policy, and collaboration.
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 632 Infants, Toddlers, & Families in ECSE & LAB Credits: 3
Current research and recommended practices for early intervention will guide the study of methods, materials, and transitions employed in natural environments with typically and atypically developing infants and toddlers, birth through 35 months. The key role of the family is integrated into the course and includes working with families in the IFSP/IEP development process. This course involves a 15-hour field experience.
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 641 Assessment and Curriculum in Early Childhood Special Education & LAB Credits: 4
This course is designed to provide individuals seeking the early childhood special educator license with an opportunity to integrate and reflect on theory and practice related to the evaluation, planning, and supporting preschoolers (ages birth through 6) with diverse abilities. Specifically, individuals will have opportunities to learn various assessment strategies and tools, practice implementing a comprehensive evaluation, develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and design individual, small and large group activities to meet a childs IEP goals in an inclusive early childhood setting. This course includes 30-hours field experience in an integrated public school Early Childhood Special Education setting ages birth through age 6.
Fall: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 642 Programming for ECSE Credits: 3
A study of current research and evidence-based practices for instructional, medical, and social needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary students, ages birth through 6, and their families.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 652 Transitions in ECSE Credits: 2
This course will prepare the candidate for assessment, the educational process, and transitions for young children with special needs. Topics include collaboration with families to determine appropriate individualized planning and placements of young children birth through age 6.
Spring: Even Years
Course Outline
ECSE 662 Student Teaching in ECSE: Birth to Age 6 Credits: 6
A supervised, semester-long field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice in both home-based and center-based educational settings for children identified as ECSE between the ages of birth and 6-years-old. Prerequisites: Graduate Status and consent of instructor.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 682 Advanced Practicum Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice in home-based and center-based educational settings for children identified as ECSE between the ages of birth and 6 years old. Candidates will have a minimum of 40 hours in a home-based setting, and the remaining hours in a center-based setting.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
ECSE 692 ECSE Practicum in Special Education: Ages 3-6 years Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice in a center-based educational setting for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
Special Education
SPED 500 Field Experience in Special Education Credits: 1-8
This course is intended to provide a field experience in integrated special education settings and aid the student in valuing diversity and inclusion. The number of contact hours will be based on the credits taken. This is intended for transfer students who need an introductory field experience or for students taking the special education core and need a one credit companion field experience. This lab may be taken only once for no credit as an undergraduate or twice for one credit (undergraduate or graduate) in different settings.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 530 Foundations in Mild to Moderate Disabilities Credits: 3
This course provides the characteristics and educational programming for mild to moderate disabilities, including emotional behavior disorders, learning disabilities, developmental cognitive disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and other health disorders.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 540 Assessment & Educational Planning & Lab Credits: 4
This course provides strategies for planning assessment, concepts of measurement, interpretation of assessment results, and their use in making programming decisions for individual students in special education.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 543 Diseases and Disorders in Childhood Credits: 3
This course focuses on understanding the medical diseases and disorders of childhood ages birth through 18 and the implications and potential impacts of these diseases and disorders on student learning. This course is designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills needed to work with children with physical and health disorders, including knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, kinesiology, neurology, secondary health care issues with specific disabilities, specific condition needs, managing personal physical care, first aid techniques, and evacuation procedures.
Fall: Department Discretion Spring: Department Discretion
Course Outline
SPED 550 Curriculum Design & Implementation in Special Education Credits: 3
A course in the best practices and procedures in curriculum instruction techniques and performance evaluation for all exceptionalities. Application in the process of individualized programming and modification/accommodation plans in integrated educational settings, use of assistive technologies, and adaptive techniques will be covered.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 559 Professional Development & Action Research Credits: 1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their Pre-Student Teaching Experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 559L Pre-Student Teaching Experience Credits: 0-1
This required course will help the teacher education student begin a plan for professional development. A portfolio will be an ongoing project for the course, as well as discussions and activities related to preparing for the teaching profession. Students taking the course will complete their pre-student teaching experience.
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 560 Positive Behavior Support in Special Education Credits: 3
A course in theories of behavior, functional behavior assessment, and the laws, policies, and ethical principles regarding the planning and implementation of positive behavior supports for students with challenging behavior.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 565 Advanced Practicum Credits: 6
This course is intended for licensed teachers seeking an additional licensure or endorsement. Candidates need to complete a minimum of 80 hours in the scope and content of the licensure area sought. Advanced Practicum candidate hours and grade bands will be determined by the evaluation of practicum candidate experience.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 566 Special Education ABS Student Teaching K-12 Credits: 6
Supervised 15-week long field experience, required for initial K-12 Special Education: Academic Behavioral Strategist, in Kindergarten - Grade 12 classrooms, evaluated by a classroom supervisor and a University Supervisor. Students demonstrate Teacher Education program outcomes and present a portfolio at a final conference. Instructor Permission Required.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 567 Special Education Advanced Student Teaching Credits: 6
This course is intended for candidates seeking more than one initial licensure. Candidates need to complete a minimum of two full-time student teaching weeks in the scope and content of the licensure area sought.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 570 Collaboration in Educational Settings Credits: 3
An understanding of the issues, resources, and techniques of communication, collaboration, consultation, and transitions for children, their families, the school, and all stakeholders in regular and special education settings. This includes professional reflection and development. The role of mental health professionals and agencies is included.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 580 Procedural Safeguards in Special Education Credits: 3
Procedural safeguards for legal, judicial, medical, and educational systems that serve students with disabilities are studied, which includes due process and transition.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 581 Compliant Practices in IEP Writing Credits: 3
This course will explore in depth the components of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Students will gain experience in writing all components of IEPs and as well as evaluate IEPs for compliance and best practice.
Course Outline
SPED 585 Autism Spectrum Disorders:Issues & Needs Credits: 3
This course provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders for individuals from birth through age 21. Identification and legal requirements, current theories and practices, medical and neurological perspectives, social/behavioral characteristics, and coexisting conditions will be studied with an understanding that educators rely on the assistance of an partnership with parents.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 586 Special Topics Credits: 1-4
This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to experience a special or experimental curriculum enrichment course.
Course Outline
SPED 590 Trends & Traditions in Special Education Credits: 1
This course is intended to provide elective forums on topics of current importance in the field of special education as well as traditional and longstanding topics and methods in SPED.
Course Outline
SPED 610 ASD Professional Planning and Assessment Credits: 2
Students create a Live Text portfolio to reflect their professional growth and development in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders. The portfolio is the accumulation of artifacts and written reflections they have collected throughout the course work taken and practicum experiences they have completed.
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 611 DD Professional Planning and Assessment Credits: 2
Students create a Live Text portfolio to reflect their professional growth and development in Special Education: Developmental Delay. The portfolio is the accumulation of artifacts and written reflections they have collected throughout the course work taken and practicum experiences they have completed.
Course Outline
SPED 613 EBD Professional Planning and Assessment Credits: 2
Students create a Live Text portfolio to reflect their professional growth and development in Special Education: Emotional Behavioral Disorders. The portfolio is the accumulation of artifacts and written reflections they have collected throughout the course work taken and practicum experiences they have completed.
Course Outline
SPED 614 LD Professional Planning and Assessment Credits: 2
Students create a Live Text portfolio to reflect their professional growth and development in Special Education: Learning Disabilities. The portfolio is the accumulation of artifacts and written reflections they have collected throughout the course work taken and practicum experiences they have completed.
Course Outline
SPED 620 Characteristics of Students with Learning & Behavior Disorders Credits: 3
This course covers the etiology and characteristics of children and youth with learning and behavior disorders. Included is an investigation of the impact of socioeconomic and psycho-social factors; disabling, associated, or medical conditions, and culturally or linguistically diverse students.
Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 621 Access and Support for Ind. with Moderate to Severe Dev. Disabilities Credits: 3
An examination of the best practices and procedures for meeting the developmental and learning needs of children and youth with developmental disabilities, including appropriate medical support and adaptive, augmentative, and/or assistive technologies.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
SPED 623 Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe EBD Credits: 3
A study of the behavior of children and youth with emphasis on the diagnosis and modification of behaviors, intervention and reintegration strategies, and follow-up techniques in instructional settings.
Summer Odd Years
Course Outline
SPED 624 Characteristics of Students with Moderate to Severe Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
This course covers the etiology and characteristics of children and youth with Moderate to Severe Learning Disabilities. Included is an investigation of the impact of socioeconomic and psycho-social factors; disabling, associated, or medical conditions, and culturally or linguistically diverse students and the collaboration needed for student success.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
SPED 625 Applied Research and Assessment in Education Credits: 3
Students will learn and apply education research and assessment as a means of analyzing and improving teaching and the learning of content. Students will use their findings to enhance the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Course Outline
SPED 626 Research: Project Design Credits: 3
Students identify an issue of interest to their professional development. The issue may include, but is not limited to, instructional, organizational, or community processes related to their practice or content area. Students develop a research project designed to improve, implement or understand the issue identified. Admission to Special Education Graduate Program is required.
Pre-Requisite : SPED 625
Course Outline
SPED 627 Research Project Implementation Credits: 2
Students implement and complete their research project
Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 641 Life Span Learning & Outcomes for Individuals w/ Mod to Severe Dev Disabil Credits: 3
A study of the cognitive, social, motor, communication, and affective behavior and needs of children, youth, and adults with moderate to severe developmental disabilities, including transition needs and independent living, safety, leisure, and vocational programming.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
SPED 642 Programming & Assessment in Early ChildhooProgramming for ECSE: Birth to 6 Credits: 3
Current research and recommended practices for early intervention will guide the study of the methods and materials employed with infants and young children, birth through age 6.
Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 643 Behavior Management & Teaching Strategies Credits: 3
A study of the behavior of children and youth with emphasis on the diagnosis and modification of behaviors, intervention and reintegration strategies, and follow-up techniques in instructional settings.
Summer Odd Years
Course Outline
SPED 644 Teaching & Achievement Strategies for Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
A study of the theories, content, methods, and materials for delivery of instruction for students with learning disabilities and differences. Procedures to deliver individualized instruction, develop and/or modify instructional materials, and adapt to various instructional models are developed and practiced.
Summer Even Years
Course Outline
SPED 670 ASD: Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders Birth-Age 21, Levels 1-3 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the ASD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with autism spectrum disorders in birth through age 21 settings across level 1 to 3 (mild to moderate disability levels).
Course Outline
SPED 673 EBD: Practicum in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders in grades K-12, Levels 1-3 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the EBD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with emotional/behavioral disorders in grades K-12 settings across level 1 to 3 (mild to moderate disability levels).
Pre-Requisite : SPED 620
Course Outline
SPED 674 LD: Practicum in Learning Disabilities in grades K-12, Levels 1-3 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the LD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with learning disabilities in grades K-12 settings across levels 1 to 3 (mild to moderate disability levels).
Pre-Requisite : SPED 620
Course Outline
SPED 680 ASD: Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders Birth-Age 21, Levels 3-4 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the ASD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with autism spectrum disorders in birth through age 21 settings across levels 3 to 4 3 (moderate to severe disability levels).Students must be enrolled in or have successfully completed one of the following courses: SPED 686, SPED 687, or SPED 688
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years
Course Outline
SPED 681 DD: Practicum in Developmental Disabilities: K-12, levels 3-4 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the DD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with developmental disabilities in grades K-12 settings across levels 3 to 4 (moderate to severe disability levels).
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 683 EBD: Practicum in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders in grades K-12, Levels 3-4 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the EBD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with emotional/behavioral disorders in grades K-12 settings across levels 3 to 4 (moderate to severe disability levels).
Pre-Requisite : SPED 620
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 684 LD Practicum in Learning Disabilities in grades K-12, Level 3-4 Credits: 3
A supervised field experience and critical study combined to provide an opportunity to relate theory to practice and apply the LD standards through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences in teaching children with learning disabilities in grades K-12 settings across levels 3 to 4 (moderate to severe disability levels).
Pre-Requisite : SPED 620
Fall: All Years Spring: All Years Summer All Years
Course Outline
SPED 686 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment & Programming Credits: 3
This course covers assessment, eligibility criterion, programming, and transition plans for individuals with ASD. Generalization of skills to natural environments is included.
Summer Odd Years
Course Outline
SPED 687 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Communication & Social Skills Credits: 3
This course covers the communication needs and supports for individuals with ASD and their relationship to social skill development. The impact of cultural and linguistic diversity is included.
Summer Odd Years
Course Outline
SPED 688 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Behavioral & Instructional Strategies Credits: 3
This course covers factors that affect behavior in individuals with ASD. This includes research-based methods, proactive strategies, and positive behavioral supports. Includes a field experience.
Summer Odd Years
Course Outline