COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SPE – Special Education

SPE 223 – Introduction to Exceptionalities: 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the basic characteristics and unique educational needs of individuals who have been determined to be exceptional in the areas of, but not limited to: learning disabilities, mental impairment, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mental health disorders and multiple and severe disabilities. Students will explore the validity of previously held beliefs, formulate new concepts, and acquire the tools necessary to challenge personal or professional misconceptions. Readings and activities that promote self- awareness and reflection will foster application of new information relating to the understanding of individuals with exceptionalities and/or disabilities.

SPE 303X/614 – Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the implementation of classroom management theories as it pertains to working with students with disabilities. Students will learn about implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) model as well as practical strategies for working with students in the classroom with behavior challenges. The course will examine the current mandates and legislation related to behavior management of students with disabilities in school. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding, assessing and managing behavior using data informed decision- making. The course will also introduce students to the use and development of functional behavior assessments to develop behavior intervention plans. This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

Prerequisites: EDU 133 and SPE 223

SPE 323X/616 – Strategies & Early Intervention for Students with High Incidence Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the teaching of students with high incidence disabilities. Students will learn to implement general teaching strategies that are effective in working with students with disabilities as well as specific strategies for teaching literacy, math, science, and social studies. The course will also examine the successful implementation of early and middle level education intervention services, the creation of standards based IEP goals, and effective transition techniques for students with disabilities. There will be an emphasis on the characteristics and development of students with specific high-incidence disabilities. This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

Corequisite: EDU 383

Prerequisites: CMS 233 and SPE 223

SPE 403 – Inclusion & Collaboration: 3 credits

This course explores the theoretical basis and practice of inclusion of students who are eligible to receive special education services under IDEA guidelines into the general education classroom. Students will examine best practices for inclusion and collaboration within the educational setting, and will apply this knowledge during a classroom field experience. Students will identify interventions, accommodations, and modifications needed for students eligible for special education services to be successful within the general education classroom.

Corequisite: EDU 383 

Prerequisites: EDU 133 and  SPE 223

SPE 423X/617 – Strategies & Early Intervention for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the teaching of students with low incidence disabilities. Students will learn to implement general teaching strategies that are effective in working with students with disabilities as well as specific strategies for teaching daily living skills, encouraging motor development and encouraging social development. The course will also examine the successful implementation of early and middle level education intervention services and effective transition techniques for students with low incidence disabilities. There will be an emphasis on the characteristics, development and teaching of students with specific low-incidence disabilities. This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

Prerequisites: CMS 233 and SPE 223

SPE 433X/615 – Language & Literacy Development for Students with Disabilities: 3 credits

This online course will provide information and training in the literacy and language instruction of students with disabilities. Students will learn about the development and prevalence of reading disabilities. Students will also learn about implementing best practice strategies to ensure high quality literacy instruction as well as how to implement a Response to Intervention model in order to provide evidenced based interventions for struggling students. There will be a strong emphasis on understanding, assessing and managing literacy instruction using data informed decision-making. The course will also review the procedure for developing IEP goals in the area of literacy. This course includes a 10-hour field experience working with students with special needs.

Prerequisites: CMS 233, EDU 373 and SPE 223

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