200
This foundational course provides a comprehensive overview of teaching students with diverse disabilities. Students will gain insights into various disabilities, including intellectual, sensory, physical, and emotional challenges, and learn about IDEA requirements, least restrictive environments, evidence-based interventions, collaborating with families, and fostering a positive and accessible learning environment. The course includes an 8-hour field experience and is required for students with a special education major or minor and is valuable for students whose career aspirations involve working with children with disabilities in educational settings.
This course is a requirement for all Special Education minors and majors and is also recommended for those who plan on working with students with autism and emotional/behavioral disorders (i.e., Psychology and Sociology majors). During the emotional/behavioral (EBD) portion of this course, students will discuss the social, behavioral, emotional and educational characteristics of children and adolescents with EBD. The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) portion of the course will examine the characteristics, history, etiology, screening, and evaluation process for ASD. Course includes a field experience of approximately 8 hours.
This field experience requires 75 hours of observation and direct participation in a school or agency that serves children or adolescents with disabilities. Students are required to reflect upon and document their experience through journals, case studies and artifacts. The practicum is supervised and requires pre-registration clearance. Grading System: S/U only
Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work off campus to provide additional experience so long as the employment relates directly to the student's major area of study. The practical experience gained outside the traditional classroom supplements the theoretical and/or applied knowledge as a part of the student's coursework. The registration process for this course must be completed every term (including summers), as students must have their work authorization reissued each term to ensure continued enrollment. Jobs must be approved and verified by the International Programs Office before work may begin.
Special topics in all aspects of special education. Individual work in an on-campus or an off-campus project.
Permission of Department Chair