DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE, LITERACY, AND SPECIAL POPULATIONS

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SPD 231 Introduction to Special Education. This survey course presents case studies of students with special needs, historical perspectives of special education, recommended educational approaches, and current models and issues in special education. Field experiences in PK-12 public schools and various appropriate field placements required. Prerequisite: Admission to educator preparation program required. Credit 3.

SPD 331 A Study of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. This course provides a study of the defining characteristics, systems of assessment and classification, theories of causality, and interventions for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Sophomore standing. Credit 3.

SPD 367 Student-Centered Planning and Learning in Special Education. Emphasis is placed on the selection of assessment strategies, teaching methods, lesson planning, use of technology, and the preparation of instructional materials appropriate for students with special needs. Field experiences in PK-12 public schools required. Prerequisite: SPD 231. Credit 3.

SPD 377 A Study of Learning and Learning Disabilities. The field of learning disabilities is examined with emphasis on history, definition, causation, teaching methods, and inclusive practices. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Junior standing. Credit 3.

SPD 390 Learning and Instruction for Young Children with Disabilities. This course provides opportunities for students to demonstrate competencies by working with young children with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified teacher. This course provides experiences in designing individual instructional plans, assistive technology, data collection, and instructional adaptations. Field experiences in PK-12 public schools required. Prerequisite: SPD 231. Admission to educator preparation program required. Junior standing. Credit 3.

SPD 478 Behavioral Intervention and Family Involvement in Special Education. This course addresses a variety of instructional techniques that can be utilized to change, maintain, increase, or decrease individual and group behaviors. Proactive behavioral intervention techniques from a variety of theoretical models are examined. Behavioral change strategies emphasize functional assessment principles, positive behavioral supports, and self-management. The basic principles, tools, and techniques of communicating with parents of children with disabilities and implementing parent education programs also are addressed. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Junior standing. Credit 3.

SPD 438 Diagnostic Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth. An overview of formal and informal assessment for special education is provided. This course includes basic concepts of measurement, assessment of academic achievement, screening tools, diagnostic testing, review of individual and group intelligence tests, perceptual skills, sensory acuity and adaptive behavior. Prerequisites: SPD 231, 331, and 377. Credit 3.

SPD 460 Study of Cognitive and Low Incidence Disabilities. This course includes a study of the characteristics and needs of students with mental retardation and low incidence disabilities. Topics include appropriate curriculum methods and instructional needs for all ages, life span issues, vocational, and transition issues. Twenty (20) hours of field placement required. This course must be taken concurrently with SPD 480. Prerequisites: SPD 231, SPD 331, SPD 367, SPD 377. Credit 3.

SPD 474 Individual Problems in Special Education. Designed to permit individual students to study specific areas of interest and need. Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair. Credit 3.

SPD 480 Collaborative Partnerships Across the Lifespan. This course is designed to equip the prospective teacher with the collaborative skills needed in inclusive school and community environments. Areas that are emphasized include adaptations for instruction, transition planning, vocational/career education, and assistive technology. Twenty (20) hours of field placement required. This course must be taken concurrently with SPD 460. Prerequisites: SPD 231, SPD 331, SPD 367, SPD 377. Credit 3.

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