Special Education (SPE) Courses

SPECIAL EDUCATION (SPE)

2000 - 2001 Bulletin Information

SPE 200 Field Experiences in Special Education Settings 1 cr

A series of in-field opportunities in special education. A variety of appropriate placements will be employed depending on each student’s interests and needs. May be repeated for credit.

SPE 205 Initial Field Experience in Special Education Settings 1 cr

An in-field opportunity for early field-based practicum in a variety of placements for special education majors. To be taken with SPE 301.

SPE 301 Survey of Special Education 3 cr

Introductory course covering all categories of exceptional children/youth. Preferred survey course for majors. Corequisite: SPE 205.

SPE 311 Introduction to Partnerships in Special Education 3 cr

Emphasis is on the special problems found in the home, community, and school of the exceptional child, the teacher, the family, and community resources agencies. Ways for the teacher to form teamships to work collaboratively with all human resources involved in the child’s life are explored and ethical and moral standards examined.

SPE 312 Intellectual and Physical Handicaps 3 cr

A study of the intellectual, physical, sensory and emotional impairments that require substantial curriculum adaptions. Historical perspectives, etiology, definition, classification, treatment, social aspects and interdisciplinary team work will be explored. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 313 Learning and Behavioral Disorders 3 cr

An examination of the definitions, characteristics, and prevalence of children with learning and/or behavioral disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the environmental and biological causes of problems in motor, perceptual, social, academic, affective, and behavioral development. Students will be introduced to current service delivery models and the programming options for individuals with learning and behavioral disabilities.

SPE 342 Developing and Teaching Ecological Curricula 3 cr

An ecological systems view which emphasizes curricular design as a multisystem interaction involving the individual, family, school, occupational setting, and society.

SPE 362* Behavioral Management of Exceptional Children (W) 3 cr

Presentation of the principles and applications of behavior modification, data collection procedures, and single-subject research designs as related to exceptional children and youth in special education environments.

SPE 363* Teaching Adaptive Curriculum to Special Needs Learners 3 cr

An examination of regular and special education K-12 curricula, materials, and procedures. Specific emphasis will be placed on the selection, modification, and adaptation of curricula, materials, and procedures to meet the needs of individuals with learning behavioral disabilities.

SPE 364* Alternative Behavioral Strategies for Teachers 3 cr

A study of the theoretical foundations and the application of specific techniques and procedures which are alternatives to traditional behavior modification. Topics will include the development and uses of problem solving, and learning strategies with exceptional children and youth within social and academic contexts.

SPE 373* Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities 3 cr

Introduces the student to the curriculum, teaching the methodologies and instructional activities and materials associated with effective and appropriate developmental and functional reading instruction for students with disabilities.

SPE 400 Education for Exceptional Children and Youth 3 cr

Introduction to the Field of Exceptional Children and Youth, involving the study of various areas of exceptionality.

SPE 410* Formal and Informal Assessment 3 cr

Assesses developmental levels, academic, and non-academic performance of exceptional individuals through the administration and interpretation of criterion-referenced and informal measures. Evaluation of classroom teaching and special education programs is also emphasized. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 414 Technology in Special Education 3 cr

Introduction to the uses of microcomputer technology with exceptional children and youth. Content will include evaluation and application of computer-assisted and computer- managed instruction, specialized equipment and assistive/adaptive devices, augmentative communication aids.

SPE 429 Opening School Laboratory Experiences 3 cr

Professional laboratory experiences of observation and participation of a two-week period at the opening of school. May be taken only n Fall Semester of year of student teaching.

SPE 432* Impact of Typical and Atypical Development on Education 3 cr

An examination of typical child development and developmental characteristics of infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities from the prenatal period through age 8. Characteristics of disabling conditions and their impact upon development are also discussed.

SPE 433* Issues in the Education of Young Children with Disabilities 3 cr

This course prepares students to work with infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities and their families. Topics covered include specific teaching and intervention techniques, special education laws and regulations, and service delivery models.

SPE 443* Vocational Education and Career Development of Handicapped Individuals 3 cr

Issues and practices involved in the vocational preparation and training of handicapped students, including career awareness, exploration, preparation and use of vocational resources. Vocationally related programs and services, both within and outside the special education environment are included.

SPE 444 Senior Seminar (W) 3 cr

Topics based upon students’ experiences in internship. Students develop personal growth plans to enhance professional functioning.

SPE 454* Curriculum and Methods for the Developmentally Young 3 cr

Curriculum and methods for individuals who function in the lower levels of cognitive, motor, self care, communicative, and/or social behaviors. Emphasis is on physical management, class/individual scheduling, adapted aids and equipment, task analysis, and functional life skills.

SPE 484* General Education Curriculum 3 cr

A curriculum course designed to emphasize general and special education K-12 curriculum. Students learn content of general education curricula through study of scope and sequence charts and strategies for adapting the curricula for students with exceptionalities, especially in inclusionary settings.

SPE 490 Special Topics 3 cr

Varies in content and deals with issues, trends, and topics of current interest in the field of educating exceptional individuals. May be repeated for credit when course content varies.

SPE 494 Directed Study 3 cr

Directed Study. No more than two directed studies may be applied to programs at the undergraduate level or for certification. Prerequisite: Permission of department.

SPE 495* Internship 12 cr

Observation and supervised classroom teaching experience providing the opportunity to synthesize all previous instruction. This culminating activity provides opportunity for study and discussion of problems and issues encountered in the practicum situation.

SPE 496* Internship 6 cr

SPE 500 Nature and Needs of Exceptional Children and Youth 3 cr

Introduction to the field of special education involving the study of all exceptionality areas. Developmental and maturational sequences of exceptional children/youth are included.

SPE 504 Seminar in Special Education 3 cr

Designed to allow students an in-depth exploration of topics of special concern to them related to children with disabilities or high potential.

SPE 505 Administration and Supervision of Special Education 3 cr

Establishing, maintaining, supervising, and evaluating special education programs in school districts and systems. Legislation and litigation, budgeting and finance, trends and issues in special education are included.

SPE 510 Introduction to Learning Characteristics and Teaching in Special Education 3 cr

An examination of the definitions, characteristics, and prevalence of children with learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disabilities, mental retardation and multiple disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the environmental and biological causes of problems in motor, perceptual, social academic, affective, and behavioral development. Students will be introduced to current service delivery models and the programming for individuals with disabilities.

SPE 511 Curriculum: Regular Class and Adaptations 3 cr

Examination of all curricula as represented by various state course of study documents. Students will study and develop relevant adaptations of curricula to meet needs of various exceptional children.

SPE 512 Ecological Curriculum and Methods 3 cr

From an ecological systems view, methods of individually deriving a functional, life-centered curriculum for students with mild to severe disabilities as well as educational strategies for teaching and training within such a framework.

SPE 514 Teaming and Collaboration 3 cr

An intensive study of the nature of teaming and collaborative practices with an emphasis on developing skills to organize and participate in a variety of such situations.

SPE 515 Data-Based Behavior Management of Exceptional Children 3 cr

Behavioral assessment techniques and experimental design for the evaluation of behavior change programs. Operant and respondent methods for deceleration of inappropriate behavior. Operant methods for accelerating appropriate behaviors, teaching new behaviors and maintaining behaviors. Data-Based decision making strategies for formative program evaluation and modifications.

SPE 516 Methods for Special Needs Learners 3 cr

An examination of the methodologies employed in teaching special needs learners. The course covers the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of techniques with media and materials.

SPE 517 Communication: Language and Reading 3 cr

Major topics include the nature of language development and language problems in exceptional students, and remedial procedures. Informal and formal language and reading assessment. Relationship of reading to writing, phonetic, sight and combination means of reading instruction.

SPE 518 Assessment 3 cr

Advanced assessment of developmental levels, academic and non-academic performance of exceptional individuals though the administration and interpretation of standardized tests, criterion-referenced instruments, and informal measures.

SPE 521 Children with High Potential 3 cr

Study of the intellectual, creative, emotional, and other psychological facets of gifted and talented children. Attention will be paid both to those individuals whose potential is realized and those who are considered underachievers.

SPE 522 Creative and Productive Thinking 3 cr

Geared to understanding the creative process, personality, and product of gifted and talented children as well as how to foster creativity and productive thought in the classroom.

SPE 523 Teaching Children with High Potential 3 cr

Various curricular emphases and program approaches employed for gifted, creative, and talented children are studied. Insights are offered into articulating educational efforts.

SPE 534 Assessment of the Developmental Young 3 cr

This course contains information on basic psychometric qualities of screening, evaluations, and assessments, tools for use with infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities, conducting family assessments, adapting measures for children with disabilities, and using screening, assessment and evaluation in individualized programming.

SPE 535 Collaborating with Families 3 cr

This course prepares students to work with families of children with special needs. It contains information on understanding families, working with traditional and non-traditional families, and providing family-centered services.

SPE 542 Behavior Management 3 cr

Behavioral assessment techniques and experimental designs for the evaluation of behavior change programs. Operant and respondent methods for deceleration of inappropriate behavior. Operant methods for accelerating appropriate behaviors, teaching new behaviors and maintaining behaviors.

SPE 589 Pre-Practicum Experience 3 cr

Supervised experience in the teaching field which allows the teacher’s performance to be evaluated qualitatively.

SPE 590 Special Topics 3 cr

A course employed for awarding appropriate academic credit for selected, approved off-campus experiences conducted by the university, such as workshops, institutes, and conferences. Credit is dependent on length and composition of activity. May be repeated for credit. Total credit cannot exceed six hours.

SPE 591 Multicategorical Practicum/Seminar 3 cr

Combines field experiences and technology-based simulations and learning experiences with an ongoing seminar to address a wide-range of disabilities and educational implications. Course content will be individualized according to the students educational and professional background.

SPE 592 Collaborative Practicum 3 cr

A largely field-based course which provides for the practical application of knowledge of teaming and collaboration in which students demonstrate the use of various techniques and methods in actual settings.

SPE 593 Classroom Experience Practicum 3 cr

Supervised experiences in the teaching field which allow the teacher’s performance to be evaluated qualitatively.

SPE 594 Directed Study and Research 3 cr

Students explore, through directed individual study and research, problems and issues of special interest or significance in special education.

SPE 595 Internship/Practicum in Special Education 3 cr

Supervised experiences in the teaching field which allow the teacher’s performance to be evaluated qualitatively.

SPE 599 Thesis 3 cr

A student selects a project, study, or investigation in special education related to the student’s area of specialization. The project forms a basis for the thesis. A thesis committee will give guidance during the investigation and during the writing of the thesis.

SPE 601 Advanced Evaluation in Special Education 3 cr

Methods and procedures for developing criterion-referenced instruments and assessment batteries for classroom use in evaluating exceptional children and youth.

SPE 609 Advanced Study of Exceptional Children 3 cr

Comparison of normal development progress and that usually seen in the various exceptionality categories of special education especially cognitive, communication, motor, social and emotional development.

SPE 641 Seminar in Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Conflict 3 cr

Advanced study and review of the state of present knowledge in areas relevant to the psycho-pathological disorders of childhood including etiology, assessment, treatment, and education.

SPE 642 Clinical Teaching I 3 cr

A study of the principle of behavioral theory upon which strategies for change in cognitive and social behavior rest and the evaluative designs used to monitor behavioral change and validate strategies.

SPE 643 Clinical Teaching II 3 cr

A study and review of clinical research relevant to the curriculum requirements in the education and treatment of exceptional children and the identification of research needs in the various areas of exceptionality.

SPE 651 Seminar in Learning Disabilities 3 cr

Current trends and issues in the education of learning disabled individuals are discussed, various theoretical approaches and current empirical evidence provide the basis for discussion.

SPE 671 Seminar in Mental Retardation Education 3 cr

Current trends and issues in the education of mentally retarded individuals. Classic and recent professional literature are the basis for developing perspectives.

SPE 690 Special Topics 3 cr

A course with varying content dealing with issues, trends, and topics of current interest in the field of education exceptional individuals. May be repeated for credit when course content varies.

SPE 694 Directed Study and Research 3 cr

Students explore, through directed study, problems and issues of special interest or significance in special education.

SPE 699 Research Project 3 cr

The Research Project, as the culminating experience in the Specialist Program, provides an opportunity for the candidate to synthesize and apply the various program components in a selected instructional setting. Suitable agreements are reached with the appropriate public school system by the candidate.

*Only for students admitted to teacher candidacy.