Approved Graduate Emphasis in Special Education – Multi-Categorical

Course Titles And Descriptions
24* Graduate Semester Hours

SPED 5324* – Teaching Basic Skills to Learners at Risk*

This course focuses on the development implementation of comprehensive instructional programs for learners at-risk.  Procedures for consulting with other professionals to maintain or integrate these students in the regular classroom will be emphasized through the course.  Research literature on instructional procedures, consultation strategies and model programs will be examined and implications for practice discussed.  The course will cover the delivery of appropriate educational programs for atypical children at the elementary and secondary levels.
* required for individuals holding a secondary teaching certificate

SPED 6320 - Students with Special Learning Problems

This course surveys the theories, legal foundations, etiologies, characteristics, learning styles and learning problems of children and youth with exceptionalities, emphasizing those with learning disabilities, mental impairments communication disorders, and hearing and vision loss.  State and federal definitions, policies and guidelines for students with the above listed exceptionalities will be examined.

SPED 6321 - Students with Special Behavior Problems

This course surveys the theories, legal foundations, etiologies, characteristics, and special behavior problems of children and youth with exceptionalities, emphasizing those with behavior disorders, ADD, ADHD, Autism, TBI, and Health Disabilities.  State and federal definitions, policies, and guidelines for students experiencing the above listed exceptionalities will be examined.

SPED 6322 - Evaluation in Special Education

Analysis and evaluation of types of formal and informal tests and measurement devices will be conducted.  Methods of determining the reliability and validity of tests are investigated.  Designs for testing programs and selection of appropriate tests will be included.  Evaluation systems of individuals, emphasizing those with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and mental impairments, and programs will be discussed.  Prerequisites:  SPED 6320 and SPED 6321

SPED 6323 – Behavioral Support for Special Students

This course presents basic principles and practices in the use of research-based applied behavior analysis and other strategies with both normal and exceptional learners, emphasizing those with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and mental impairments.  Students will be required to demonstrate competence in using a variety of techniques in field settings.  Prerequisite:  SPED 6321

SPED 6324 - Instructional Techniques in Special Education

This course focuses on the development and implementation of research-based comprehensive instructional programs for atypical learners with an emphasis on inclusion strategies.  Procedures for consulting with other professionals to maintain or integrate these students will be emphasized through the course.  Research literature on instructional procedures, consultation strategies and model programs will be examined and implications for practice discussed.  The course will cover the delivery of appropriate educational programs for atypical children, emphasizing those with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and mental impairments, at the elementary and secondary levels.  Prerequisite:  SPED 5324* & 6320 or permission of instructor.

READ 6310 - Teaching Reading to Special and At-Risk Learners

A study of the cause of reading difficulties and procedures used to support students with reading difficulties, emphasizing those with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and mental impairments.  Approaches reading difficulty from a holistic view.  Attention is given to assessment strategies and remedial procedures for correction.

SPED 6390 - Special Education Practicum

This course makes provisions for students to participate in all activities and duties generally expected of a special education teacher. Specific supervision by the faculty member teaching the course will be provided.  Seminars to evaluate performance in methods, procedures and overall performance will coincide with the experience.  This course is designed for students with at least one year of teaching experience.  Prerequisites:  SPED 6320-6324 & READ 6310 or special permission.