SPEC119 - FIRST YEAR SEMINAR FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

Designed to embed education program requirements into a required course and to support student achievement of Education program requirements.  Must be taken by all Special Education majors either fall or spring semester.

 
1 sh

SPEC105 - FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Addresses the definitions, characteristics, etiologies, educational and transitional needs of, interventions and strategies for diverse learners and individuals with exceptional learning needs (ELN) through a life span approach. 

3 sh

SPEC202 - CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION

An introduction to multicultural and global education as a concept. Students will examine personal awareness and attitudes, cultural knowledge, instructional strategies, and curricular resources impacting PreK-12. Consideration will be given to the instructional needs of English Language Learners (ELL) and effective teaching/learning theories, approaches, research results, and public policies that pertain to diverse learners.

3 sh

SPEC212 - LOW INCIDENCE DISABILITIES SUPPORT

Examines the conceptual base, educational programming and curricular options for persons with moderate to severe disabilities. The relationship of sensory-motor development between classroom environments and adaptations will be examined in depth. Attention will be given to assessment, determination of goals, person-centered planning and the family-system approach.  Prerequisite:  SPEC105 or permission of instructor.

3 sh

SPEC215 - HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES SUPPORT

A comprehensive examination of individuals with mild disabilities (high incidence) and the accommodations/adaptations necessary for their success. Specifically addresses parameters of mild disabilities, theories of learning, learning styles, educational accommodations, instructional strategies, organizations that serve this population.  Prerequisite:  SPEC105 or permission of the instructor.

3 sh

SPEC300 - COMMUNICATION DISORDERS AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Reviews communication needs for individuals with disabilities.  Language development, assistive technology and alternative communication systems will be explored.  The scope of this course is intended to enable students to become familiar with assessment and intervention strategies for students with communication disorders.  Prerequisite:  Must have attained candidacy in Teacher Education and completed SPEC105 or SPEC204.

3 sh

SPEC338 - POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS

3 sh

SPEC345 - LITERACY INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 

3 sh

3 sh

SPEC325 - INFANT/PRESCHOOL SPECIAL NEEDS

Deals with the development and education of young exceptional children, with an emphasis on ages birth through five years.  Focuses on issues of etiology, consequences of developmental delay, early identification, assessment and educational programming designed to promote optimum growth of cognitive language, psychomotor, psychosocial, and self-help skills in young children with special needs.  Building effective family-centered intervention programs will be modeled, while utilizing a trans-disciplinary approach.  The course seeks to correlate developmental concepts and behavioral strategies, while stressing the likeness of exceptional and non-exceptional child development.  It will emphasize an inclusionary model and provide practical experiences in inclusive settings.  The consultative role of the early intervention teacher will be examined, while providing practical experiences in developing IFSPs and IEPs.  Prerequisite:  PSYC102, Child Development.

3 sh

SPEC330 - PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION FOR THE DISABLED

Provides acquaintance with various activities that can be used with persons with disabilities and without disabilities in outdoor, indoor and aquatic environments.   Theory is combined with actual practice.  All content evolves around the goal of including persons with disabilities with the non-disabled in regular physical education, recreation and leisure settings, acknowledging choice and variety.  Prerequisite:  SPEC105 or permission of the instructor.

3 sh

SPEC340 - THE GIFTED

An elective designed to teach various strategies a teacher can use to meet the academic and social needs of the gifted and talented in the regular classroom setting.  Provides opportunity to work with gifted and talented students as well a discussing the theoretical and practical problems of teaching them.  Prerequisite:  SPEC105  or permission of the instructor.

3 sh

SPEC425 - LAW AND COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES

Elaborates on the major laws and the changing roles of special educators and support staff to serve all students, including those with exceptional learning needs (ELN). Topics addressed include laws, ethics, working with families, paraprofessionals, inclusive settings, co-teaching, collaboration/consultation models, team planning, and conferencing skills.  Restriction:  Students must have completed a professional semester in another certification area.

3 sh

SPEC430 - ASSESSING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION

Introduces students to educational assessment and instructional planning. This course emphasizes the administration and interpretation of formal and informal individual assessments used in identifying needs of students with disabilities. Students will gain experience in administering assessment instruments and writing evaluation reports and individualized educational programs.  Restrictions:  Students enrolling in this course must have completed a professional semester for an education program other than special education.

3 sh

SPEC440 - STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH LOW INCIDENCE DISABILITIES

Offers a broad spectrum of instructional methodologies appropriate across all levels of academic and life skill individualized independence curriculums for individuals with exceptional learning needs (ELN). Students will develop and implement lesson plans across content areas, strategies that promote positive behavior and social skills, and appropriate adaptations and accommodations.  Restrictions:  Must have completed a professional semester in another certification area.

3 sh

SPEC441 - STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES

Designed to offer a broad spectrum of instructional methodologies appropriate across all levels of academic individualized general curricula for individuals with exceptional learning needs (ELN). Students will develop and implement lesson plans across content areas, strategies that promote positive behavior and social skills, and appropriate adaptations and accommodations.   Restrictions:  Must have completed a professional semester in another certification area.

3 sh

SPEC493/494 - STUDENT TEACHING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICUM: MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY DISABLED I AND II

Student teaching provides the capstone experience for pre-service teachers.  Experiences are provided at two levels (appropriate to certification areas and grade level ranges).  Supervised practice in classrooms with certified teachers introduces the student to all aspects of the teaching day.  Restrictions:  To register, a student must meet Pennsylvania State Teacher Education Guidelines in overall average and average in major, no courses less than a “C” in professional courses and a successful clinical field experience.