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2006-07 PLU Catalog

Special Education

Faculty School of Education


Curriculum

To view Special Education curriculum requirements, go to School of Education


Course Offerings -  Special Education  (SPED)



SPED 195: Individuals with Disabilities - A

An introductory course focusing upon persons with disabilities. Intended for students outside the School of Education. (4)

SPED 201: Observation in Special Education Programs

Observation in special education programs, schools, and community settings. (1)

SPED 320: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect

Issues of child abuse, neglect, harassment, and violence. Includes identification and reporting procedures, and the legal and professional responsibilities of all mandated reporters. (1)

SPED 322: Moderate Disabilities and Transitions

Exploration of issues related to identification of and service delivery to this population. Specialized instruction, management techniques, and issues of transitioning from schools to community. A field experience component will be required. (4)

SPED 395: Introduction to Language Development and Disorders

Introduction to language disorders, assessment, and intervention. Focus on theories of language development and normal language acquisition. (2)

SPED 399: Practicum in Special Education

Experience with children and youth who have special needs. 1- hour credit given after successful completion of 45 clock hours and specific course competencies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (1 or 2)

SPED 403: Parent/Professional Partnership in Special Education

Methods for communicating effectively with parents of special needs children. (2)

SPED 404: Communication and Collaboration

Focus on knowledge and skills necessary for effective collaboration and supervision with parents, professionals, and para-educators. (3)

SPED 424: Learners with Special Needs in the General Education Classroom

This course focuses on developing teacher candidates' understanding of the perspectives on learning and school and classroom experiences of learners with special needs. Topics include working with other professionals, families and communities, critical inquiry into the differential placement of students, the development of individualized educational plans as a team, and the implementation of these plans. Required of all education majors and taken concurrently with Term II courses. EDUC 424, 408 and 406. (4)

SPED 430: Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities

In-depth exploration of issues related to the identification of and service delivery to students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Emphasis on specialized management techniques needed to teach this population. A field experience will be required. (4)

SPED 439: Student Teaching in Secondary School

Teaching in special education programs under the direction and supervision of school and university personnel; 8 weeks. Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 450 and 466. (5)

SPED 442: Technology in Special Education

Current issues and uses of computer technology for learners with special needs. Emphasis on computer assisted instruction, and assistive technology services and devices. (2)

SPED 450: Early Childhood Special Education

Current issues related to young child with special needs. Focus on instructional methods, materials, curriculum, and assessment of this population. (2)

SPED 454: Students with Physical Challenges and with the Medically Fragile

Examination of knowledge and skills needed for meeting the psychological, social, and educational needs of individuals who are physically challenged and/or medically fragile. (2)

SPED 459: Student Teaching in Special Education

Teaching in a K-8 special education setting; 9 weeks. Concurrent enrollment in EDUC 434 and 450. (6)

SPED 460: Special Education Student Teaching Seminar: Issues in Practice

A seminar for special education student teachers focusing on current issues in the profession of special education. Taken concurrently with student teaching Term IV Hub and EDUC 450. (1)

SPED 475: Supervising Para-Professionals and Volunteers

Emphasis on the effective management of para-professionals and volunteers in the classroom. (1)

SPED 485: The Gifted Child

A study of the gifted learner's characteristics and needs. Focus on instructional procedures designed to further development. (2)

SPED 489: Special Topics (1 to 4)

SPED 490: Development in Early Childhood Special Education

Implications of normal and atypical child development for the learning process, including hands-on experiences in early childhood/ special education settings. (2)

SPED 491: Independent Study (1 to 4)

SPED 497: Independent Study

Projects of varying length related to trends and issues in special education and approved by an appropriate faculty member and the dean. (1 or 2)

SPED 499: Individual Differences - Elementary (2)

See Graduate School of Education section on graduate-level courses for Special Education.