This course focuses on conceptualizing and developing high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for students with mild and moderate disabilities. Students will use assessment data from case studies for drafting, revising, and finalizing annual review and three-year re-evaluation IEP's that meet the requirements of state and federal special education legislation.
SPED 280; Recommend Junior/Senior Standing
Every Spring
This course introduces students to the instruments and procedures used when identifying and evaluating students with disabilities. Basic test and measurement concepts will be applied to the administering, scoring, and interpreting of commonly used standardized assessment instruments. Students will be given brief field experience opportunities related to assessment (attend a K-12 school-based team assessment meeting; conduct a skills-based assessment; conduct standardized assessments with volunteers).
Every Fall
This course will emphasize methods and techniques used in instruction for students with disabilities. A review of current research and practices will be provided to provide a perspective of the field for special educators and classroom teachers. Major course topics will be developing goals, systematically designed instruction, adapting curriculum, task analysis, explicit instruction, feedback, error analysis, progress monitoring, independent practice, and intensive instruction. Added emphasis will be provided on content-specific instruction in reading, mathematics, and written language. Course includes a field experience of 10 hours.
Every Fall
In this course students will learn evidence-based practices based upon applied behavior analysis for managing challenging behaviors in the classroom and community (e.g., students with autism spectrum disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders). The processes for conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and developing function-based interventions and behavior support plans will be discussed and practiced. Students will be trained in the applications of strategies including differential reinforcement and antecedent-based interventions. Methods will highlight prevention and intervention, including the importance of establishing relationships, building resilience, and creating encouraging environments. Course includes a field experience of approximately 10 hours.
SPED 258
Every Spring
Special topics in special education.
Special topics in all aspects of special education. Individual work in an on-campus or an off-campus project.
Permission of Department Chair
Every Fall, Interim, Spring, and Summer