Historical perspectives, trends, impacts of legislation and school contexts on the evolving field of special education, K-12; learning theory, styles, and differences including language and psychological processing; characteristics of students with exceptional learning needs, and implications for assessment, instruction, curriculum accommodations and modifications within a continuum of services.

Designing curriculum, instructional strategies and selecting educational strategies to create learning environments and address transition for individuals with exceptional learning needs (ELN). Adaptations to the general curriculum and alternative teaching approaches in K-12 settings in order to integrate and facilitate independence for individuals with ELN will be addressed.

Definition of problem behaviors, collection and analysis of data, and development of interventions to support a variety of behavior change strategies in educational settings. Emphasis is on the development of positive, problem-solving approaches, and strategies for classroom management. Provides theoretical foundations, and practical applications for preventing behavior problems.

Focuses on the theory and practice of assessment for general special education educators at the post baccalaureate level. Includes procedures to identify and assess student learning and behavior needs and outcomes. Informal and formal strategies including standardized tests, observational tools, and curriculum/criterion referenced tests.

Examination of the transition from secondary school environments to post school activities for youth with disabilities relative to career development and self determination. Critical conponents include legal foundations; functional assessment; access to career and technical education, employment, postsecondary training, and independent living.

Focuses on developing the foundation for advanced research and teaching skills in the field of special education. Students will be introduced to commonly used research concepts, tools, and recommended practices. Emphasis will be placed on the skills needed to design and implement applied research methods in special education.

Focuses on the design and implementation of advanced research and teaching skills in the field of special education. Students will engage in research dialogue, literature synthesis, and the design and implementation of applied research methods. Projects will align with recommended practices in the field of special education.

This special education graduate internship is the first half of a yearlong field experience and seminar that focuses on the application of special education knowledge and skills in a K-12 school setting. Interns receive support from a college supervisor and cooperating professional to meet identified special education program competencies.

This post baccalaureate internship is the second half of a yearlong field experience and seminar that focuses on the application of special education knowledge and skills in a K-12 school setting. Interns receive support from a college supervisor and mentor/cooperating teacher to meet identified special education program competencies.

Intensive study of a special education topic encountered in a school or community. Topics are usually initiated by the graduate student.

Focuses on the application of advanced research and teaching skills in the field of special education. Students will engage in research dialogue, data-informed decision-making, and the dissemination of results and recommendations. Emphasis will be placed on solidifying the skills needed to implement recommended practices in the field of special education.