SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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SPD 535 Education of Individuals with Disabilities.
This course provides an introduction to the strengths and needs of persons with disabilities, with implications for identification and educational programming for regular and special educators. Legislation and case law addressing the rights of individuals with disabilities are discussed.
SPD 537 Assessment in Special Education.
This course addresses basic measurement principles, formal and informal assessment, and the connection of assessment to instruction. Students gain experience with diagnostic tools for assessing achievement, social behavior, adaptive behavior, language, and perceptual-motor skills.
SPD 538 Practicum and Methods in Special Education.
Students gain direct experience in the use of curriculum, methods, and materials for learners with special needs. Additional topics include assessment, modifications, adaptations, learning strategies, direct instruction and collaboration.
SPD 660 Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The course provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders, identification and etiology, and research-based programs and services for students identified with disabilities within the spectrum of autism.
SPD 562 Study of Cognitive and Low Incidence Disabilities.
This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of the strengths and needs of persons with mental retardation and other low-incidence disabilities. Topics addressed include etiology, family partnerships, educational needs, inclusive programs, and transition issues across the lifespan.
SPD 567 Seminar in Learning and Learning Disabilities.
This course presents a study of the research and professional literature concerning persons with learning disabilities and other mild-to-moderate special needs. History, theories of learning, educational practices, social issues, and lifespan needs are addressed.
SPD 568 Teaching Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities.
Course content centers upon a rationale for instruction of students with mild to moderate disabilities. Research-based assessment and instructional strategies are presented.
SPD 587 Workshop in Education.
The topic(s) included will vary with academic program and semester offered.
SPD 595 Individual Assessment of Cognitive Functioning/ Weschsler Scales.
This course is designed to acquaint students with the theory, problems, ethical standards, and techniques of administering individual tests of intelligence. Specifically, each student will learn to administer, score, and interpret the latest edition of the WISC, WAIS, and the WPPSI.
SPD 630 Applied Behavior Analysis.
This course presents basic principles, processes, and concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis. К Applied project required.
SPD 631 A Study of Behavior Disorders in Children.
This course focuses on theories, characteristics, and instruction for students with mild, moderate, and severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Issues involving definition, classification, and intervention for such disorders as aggression, autism, depression, and delinquency will be addressed.
SPD 633 Behavioral Assessment and Intervention.
This course presents an in-depth study of basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral assessment procedures and interventions, and ethical considerations in applied settings. A field-based project is required. Prerequisite: SPD 630
SPD 632 Evaluation and Measurement of Behavior.
This course addresses ethical issues in research, single-subject experimental design, descriptive statistics, visual analysis, and interpretation of data. КA research project is required. Prerequisite: SPD 633
SPD 635 In-Home Training and Family Issues.
This course addresses the impact of autism and low incidence disabilities on the family, and ways to enable families to assist their child with a disability. Consultation with a family is required.
SPD 637 Behavior Change and System Support.
This course presents methods and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis including antecedent manipulations, consequence manipulations, and teaching functionally equivalent responses. Behavior Analytic methods and curriculum for the education and treatment of children with disabilities will be emphasized. Ethics for behavioral intervention will be presented. Demonstration of behavioral methods and strategies required. Prerequisite: SPD 535 or SPD 633
SPD 677 Assessment of Young Children and Low-Incidence Populations.
This course provides instruction and practice in administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting results of individual tests and assessments for young children, individuals with mental retardation, and persons with low-incidence disabilities. Informal techniques such as play-based assessment, portfolio assessment, and contextual assessment are presented. Prerequisites: SPD 537, SPD 595.
SPD 678 Seminar in Special Education.
This course prepares students for the role of the educational diagnostician. Topics addressed include special education law, consultation and collaboration, second language learners with special needs, and research-based best practices in special education. Prerequisite: SPD 535.
SPD 679 Practicum for Educational Diagnosticians.
This course provides a field-based practicum under the direction of a certified educational diagnostician. It is designed to provide intensive study in the role of the educational diagnostician. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Students in the internship develop and implement multiple Behavior Analytic programs in applied settings under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Prerequisites: SPD 630, 633, 632 and 637.
SPD 698 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis.
Students conduct a literature review and develop a Behavior Analytic research proposal according to APA style for their master’s thesis
SPD 699 Thesis.
Students collect and analyze experimental data and defend their research thesis. Prerequisites: Admission to Candidacy, SPD 698.
SPD 710 Doctoral Seminar in Special Education. Candidates will demonstrate their knowledge of real problems and needs in both national and local special education programs and policies. Identification of existing research problems and an action plan for implementation will be required. This requirement is taken in a sequence of three one-semester hour courses.**
SPD 731 Legal Issues and Policies in Special Education.
This course examines the major laws and policies affecting individuals with disabilities, Legal, ethical, and policy implications of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and No Child Left Behind are addressed. The current body of research in legal issues also is emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission to the Ed.D. Program in Special Education.**
SPD 733 Instructional Practices in Special Education. Course content examines research-based programs and practices in academics, literacy, math, and behavior which is designed to document student learning under conditions of intensive, research-based instruction, including universal design. Response to Intervention programs will be included as part of a directed effort to meet the educational needs of students at a pre-referral phase. Family partnerships and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders are emphasized. Research-based practices in promoting student self-determination and independent functioning are emphasized. Prerequisite: SPD 731**.
SPD 734 Functional and Curriculum-based Assessment in Special Education. Research and practice in the dynamics and critical decisions involving functional and curriculm-based assessment systems are covered. The relationship between interventions and assessment findings will be focused upon in both academic and behavioral contexts. Candidates will demonstrate proficiency in creating high quality Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) and Behavioral Support Plans (BSP). Prerequisites: SPD 731.**
SPD 735 Program Evaluation in Special Education. Course content will be devoted to the evaluation of the learning environments that foster student engagement and academic success, prevention of behavior problems, and recognition of diversity. Examination of theories, models, issues, and practices in conducting evaluations of special education programs will be emphasized. The promotion of continuous improvement of school programs and services along with lifelong professional growth for educators are designated course outcomes. School wide reform processes and procedures will be presented. Prerequisites: SPD 730.**
SPD 736 Personnel Preparation and Collaboration in Special Educators. The content and experiences provided in this course are directed toward the preparation and ongoing professional development of special education personnel in varied roles. Candidates will examine and apply practices and competencies that support and promote ethical and professional behaviors and value continuing professional growth and development. SPD 730.**
SPD 738 Small N Designs in Educational Research. This course addresses the rationale, logic, and methodology of single subject and small n research designs. Students will practice graphing data and conducting visual analysis. Students will read original research demonstrating single subject designs and will prepare research proposals using small N research designs. Prerequisites: SPD 731.**
SPD 832 Application of Special Education Research. The purpose of this course is to assist students in the development of their dissertation proposals. Students should complete the course with a dissertation proposal sufficient to meet the requirements of the dissertation chair and committee. The class will be structured around developing a high quality draft of the first three chapters: introduction, literature review, and methodology. Prerequisites: 48 hours of coursework required for the Ed.D.**
SPD 833 Dissertation Hours. Candidates will complete the oral and written comprehensive examinations prior to undertaking dissertation hours. The completion of an individual dissertation will be the culmination of the candidate's doctoral study. The dissertation topic for candidates will address important issues and gaps in the research literature of the field. An experimental, rigorously planned investigation will be required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the dissertation proposal defense. **