2018-2019 Graduate Catalog


6000

SPED 6160 Inclusionary Practices in Education

This course will help you become a successful teacher and manager of an inclusive classroom. In this course, you will learn legislation/federal mandates that support the inclusion model. Additionally, you will learn about impacts of inclusive educations on students with and without disabilities, the importance of learner variability and the role of assessment and data in planning instruction in an inclusive classroom. You will increase your understanding of accommodations, modifications and assistive technology, and you will learn about the role of the paraprofessional in the inclusive classroom. You will explore the social, emotional and academic components of an inclusive classroom and learn how to provide an accepting, inclusive classroom that allows each student to reach their full potential. Finally, you will have the opportunity to reflect on research, assumptions and insights and plan for implementation of ideas that support inclusive learning like co-teaching and Universal Design for Learning (UDL.)

Credits

3

SPED 6161 The Principles of Co-Teaching

Co-teaching has increasingly become more popular as education moves to more collaborative models of instruction. This course will help participants reflect on what they can bring to a co-teaching framework and on aspects of co-teaching that are essential for co-teaching partnerships to succeed. Participants will learn the different models of co-teaching, how to co-teach with a specialist, and how to apply specific strategies to foster learning in a collaborative environment. Participants will build knowledge about benefits and challenges associated with co-teaching and about the importance of collaboration. Those who take this course will also have an opportunity to find, develop and use resources related to co-teaching. Appropriate for grade levels K-12. 

Credits

3

SPED 6162 The Essentials of Transition for Students with Disabilities

In this engaging course, participants will learn the basics of transition to adulthood for students with disabilities including employment, post-secondary education and independent living. This course discusses demographics, social policies, and school and post-school factors that predict successful transitions for individuals with disabilities. The course focuses on instructional practices that promote self-determination, self-management, and self-advocacy. Collaborative transition models, supported employment, independent and supported living, postsecondary education/training, and community-based instruction are also emphasized, as are service-delivery issues related to diverse populations. Participants will learn how to use assessment to plan and how to involve students and families in this process. This course will help educators create successful, exciting opportunities for transition aged students.

Credits

3

SPED 6163 Trauma-Informed Strategies for Teaching and Learning

In this course, you will learn how to help your students overcome the impact of adverse experiences as you develop trauma-informed teaching strategies. Beginning with brain research, discover the effect trauma has on students' emotional and academic development. Explore the foundations of trauma-sensitive teaching, including an emphasis on safety, relationships, and resiliency. This course also provides a thought-provoking look at the importance of self-care for educators working with students impacted by trauma.  

Credits

3

SPED 6164 The Fundamentals of Universal Design for Learning

This course combines the powerful processes and strategies of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with lesson planning to ensure educators are meeting the needs of EACH learner. Using an extremely applicable text, videos and relevant applications, the course provides an overview of UDL guidelines. Additionally, teachers will learn new strategies for goal setting and assessment. Educators will be able to increase engagement, infuse lessons with multiple means of content representation, and choose materials and media to enhance their teaching. Participants will learn the role of neuroscience in the components of UDL and lesson planning. Also, those taking this course will discover how to arrange or rearrange teaching and learning spaces to fit within the UDL framework. Teachers will reflect on strategies to ensure professional growth and an increase in student achievement. This course will provide the tools needed to meet the ever changing variability of learners in our classrooms and schools beyond differentiation.

Credits

3

SPED 6165 Challenging Behavior in Young Children

Created for early childhood education professionals, this course is filled with strategies designed to assess challenging behaviors, as well as ways to address those behaviors and to plan appropriate interventions, curriculum and teaching practices. 

Credits

3