Special Education Certificate

SPED 510. Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of Early Childhood Special Education, primarily for students interested in entering the field. Issues such as program design, parent involvement, identification, infant education, and effects of disabilities will be covered. F,S,SS.

SPED 555. Advanced Methods: Emotional Behavioral Disorders. 3 Credits.

The study of specific strategies, methods, and materials for working with students with emotional behavioral disorders. Prerequisite: Admission to one of the master's programs in special education. F,S,SS.

SPED 556. Advanced Methods: Intellectual Disabilities. 3 Credits.

This course is a masters level methods course designed for professionals seeking to extend their skills in the areas of instruction, functional (life skills) curriculum, program and curriculum development, and functional behavioral analysis for working with students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Prerequisites: Graduate status and admission to one of the master's programs in special education. F,S,SS.

SPED 508. Introduction to Learning Disabilities. 3 Credits.

The historical perspective and the complexities of identification and characteristics of learning disabilities will be covered. Students will gain an understanding of service delivery models within a multisystems approach. F,S,SS.

SPED 545. Assessment and Behavior Change Systems. 4 Credits.

This course will address the process of identifying behaviors targeted for change and the use of behavioral assessment techniques to identify and analyze behavior-environment relations for the purpose of developing successful, functionally-based intervention strategies. Students will learn a variety of methods for behavior assessment, interventions, analysis of interventions, experimental analysis, and interpreting outcomes including the use of practical behaviorally-based assessment tools such as checklists, rating scales, structured observation tools, and curricular assessments. F,S,SS.

SPED 521. IEP and the Transition Process. 3 Credits.

This course covers the development of a federally mandated Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students identified with one of the 13 disability areas as defined by IDEA. Additionally, this course focuses on education, personal, and vocational transition for students with disabilities. Assessment and transition program planning will be covered along with interagency collaboration skills and career awareness. F,S,SS.