SPECIAL EDUCATION (SPE)

SPE 200 Field Experiences in Special Education Settings 1 cr
A series of in-field opportunities for students 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 201 Survey of Special Education 4 cr
Introductory course covering all categories of exceptional children/youth. Preferred survey course for majors. Corequisite: SPE 205.

SPE 202 Development of Language and Learning 4 cr
A basic approach to cognitive development, learning, and language acquisition in normal and exceptional children.

SPE 204 Professional Development in Special Education 4 cr
An exploration of the roles and tasks of special educators and ancillary service personnel with an emphasis on cooperative relationships. Existing professional and ethical standards will be examined and personal ethical statements will be developed.

SPE 205 Initial Field Experience in Special 1 cr
Education Setting
An in-field opportunity for early field-based practicum in a variety of placements for Special Education majors. To be taken with SPE 201.

SPE 211 Introduction to Partnerships in 4 cr
Special Education
Emphasis is on the special problems found in the home, community, and school of the exceptional child, the teacher, the family, and community resource agencies. Ways for the teacher to understand and work cooperatively with all human resources involved in the child's life are explored and ethical and moral standards examined.

SPE 312 Intellectual and Physical Handicaps 4 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 4 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. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 314 Technology in Special Education 4 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, and instructional and evaluational design considerations.

SPE 342* Developing and Teaching Ecological Curricula 4 cr
An ecological systems view which emphasizes curricular design as a multisystem interaction involving the individual, family, school, occupational setting, and society. The course concentrates on personal-environmental fit which emphasizes the identification of those key variables contributing to the optimal adjustment between the person and the social/physical environment.

SPE 343* Vocational Education and Career 4 cr
Development of Handicapped Individuals
Issues and practices involved in the vocational preparation and training of handicapped students, including career awareness, exploration, preparation and use of vocational resources.

SPE 352* Formal Assessment (W) 4 cr
Assess development levels, academic and non-academic performance of exceptional individuals through the administration and interpretation of standardized tests.

SPE 362* Behavioral Management of Exceptional 4 cr
Children (W)
Presentation of the principles and applications of behavioral modification, data collection procedures, and single-subject research designs as related to exceptional children and youth in special education environments. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 363* Teaching Adaptive Curriculum to Special 4 cr
Needs Learners
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 and behavioral disabilities. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 364* Alternative Behavioral Strategies for Teachers 4 cr
A study of the theoretical foundations and the application of specific techniques and procedures for identifying and modifying behavioral, social, academic, affective, and cognitive deficits in special needs learners. Corequisite: SPE 200.

SPE 400 Education for Exceptional Children and Youth 4 cr
Introduction to the Field of Exceptional Children and Youth, involving the study of various areas of exceptionality.

SPE 410* Informal Assessment 4 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 429 Opening School Laboratory Experiences 2 cr
Professional laboratory experiences of observation and participation of a two-week period at the opening of school. May be taken only in Fall quarter of year of student teaching.

SPE 444 Senior Seminar (W) 4 cr
Topics based upon students' experiences in internship. Students develop personal growth plans to enhance professional functioning. Prerequisite: Successful internship experience.

SPE 454* Curriculum and Methods for the 4 cr
Developmentally Young
Curriculum methods of instruction 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 455* Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills 4 cr
Major topics will focus on the development and uses of higher order thinking skills, problem solving, and learning strategies with exceptional children and youth within social and academic contexts.

SPE 468 Assistive and Augmentative Forms of 4 cr
Communication
Alternative methods of non-oral communication for the handicapped without speech. Specific consideration given to three major areas: 1) sign language; 2) symbol systems; and 3) communication boards and cards. Students will be given practical experience is using these forms of communication in addition to classroom lectures.

SPE 472 Teaching the Moderately and Severely 4 cr
Handicapped
Covers educational organization, curriculum, techniques and materials for the moderately and severely handicapped. Attention is also given to working with parents, agencies, and interdisciplinary teams in the habilitation of the individual.

SPE 473 Teaching the Educable Mentally Retarded 4 cr
Educational techniques, organization and materials as well as curriculum provisions for the mildly retarded at various school-age levels.

SPE 474 Secondary Curriculum for Mildly Handicapped 4 cr
Curriculum contents, teaching methodologies, and instructional materials appropriate for secondary-level handicapped persons. Vocationally related programs and services, both within and outside the special education environment, are included.

SPE 490 Special Topics 1-4 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 2, 4 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 16 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 8 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.
* Only for students admitted to teacher candidacy.

SPE 500 Nature and Needs of Exceptional Children 4 cr
and Youth
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 501 Testing and Evaluating Exceptional Children 4 cr
Advanced assessment of developmental levels, academic and non-academic performance of exceptional individuals through the administration and interpretation of standardized tests, criterion-referenced instruments, and informal measures.

SPE 504 Seminar in Special Education 4 cr
Designed to allow students an in-depth exploration of topics of special concern to them related to children with learning handicaps, high potential, or emotional disturbance.

SPE 505 Administration and Supervision of 4 cr
Special Education
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 513 Prescriptive Teaching 4 cr
Course pertains to the individualization of materials and methods appropriate for children and youth with various types of learning handicaps including the mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, physically disabled, other health impaired, and learning disabled.

SPE 521 Children with High Potential 4 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 4 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 4 cr
Various curricular emphases and program approaches employed for gifted, creative, and talented children are studied. Insights are offered into articulating educational efforts.

SPE 531 Language Problems of Exceptional Children 4 cr
Major topics include the nature of language, language development and language problems in exceptional children; assessment of language abilities, and remedial procedures.

SPE 541 Characteristics of Children with Behavioral 4 cr
Disorders/Emotional Conflict
An examination of assessment and categorization of behavioral disorders. A study of the constitutional and environmental sources of behavior and the characteristics of children and youth with disorders of functional, cognitive, affective, social and integrative behavior.

SPE 542 Behavior Management 4 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 543 Educational Procedures for Children with 4 cr
Behavioral Disorders/Emotional Conflict
A study of service delivery models and theoretical approaches to behavioral change. Behavioral and cognitive strategies for intervening in the behavior, social skills, and value development of children with behavioral disorders. Prerequisite: major in department of permission of instructor.

SPE 544 Curriculum and the Exceptional Child 4 cr
A curriculum course designed to emphasize regular and special education K-12 curriculum, as well as curricula adaptations, materials selection and modification, and functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team. Prerequisite: major in department or permission of instructor.

SPE 551 Nature and Needs of the 4 cr
Learning Disabled Child
Definitions, characteristics, and prevalence of children with learning disabilities. Emphasis is placed on developmental aspects including motor, perceptual, social, linguistic, and behavioral development as these relate to academic achievement.

SPE 554 Corrective and Remedial Teaching 4 cr
Methods and materials for teaching children with learning problems in the areas of reading, arithmetic, language arts, language and perceptual-motor development. Prerequisite: major in department or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: major in department or permission of instructor.

SPE 566 Assessment of the Severely/Profoundly 4 cr
Handicapped
Surveys both formal and informal means of assessment of severely/profoundly handicapped children. Assessment instruments, used in diagnosis, programming, and evaluation will be covered. Special attention will be given to criterion-referenced instruments. Prerequisite: SPE 500 or equivalent.

SPE 568 Assistive and Augmentative Forms of 4 cr
Communication
Alternative methods of non-oral communication for the handicapped without speech. Specific consideration given to three major areas: 1) sign language, 2) symbol systems, and 3) communication boards and cards. Students will be given practical experience in using these forms of communication in addition to classroom lectures.

SPE 571 Nature and Needs of the Mentally Retarded 4 cr
A survey of the area of mental retardation with emphasis given to maturational, educational, psychological characteristics and sociological aspects of varying degrees of mental retardation in children, adolescents, and adults.

SPE 572 Teaching the Moderately and 4 cr
Severely Handicapped
Covers educational organization, curriculum techniques and materials for the moderately and severely handicapped. Attention is given to working with parents, agencies, and interdisciplinary teams in the habilitation of the individual.

SPE 573 Teaching the Educable Mentally Retarded 4 cr
Educational techniques, organization, and materials as well as curriculum provisions for the mildly retarded at various school-age-levels.

SPE 574 Secondary Curriculum for the Mildly 4 cr
Handicapped
Curriculum content, teaching methodologies and instructional materials appropriate for secondary level handicapped persons are covered. Vocationally related programs and services both within and outside the special education environment are also examined.

SPE 581 Medical Aspects of Multi-Handicapping 4 cr
Conditions
Consideration of the physical and sensory conditions associated with moderately, severely or profoundly handicapped individuals. Includes a study of learning and behavior problems related to multiple physical and intellectual handicaps.

SPE 589 Pre-Practicum Experience 2 cr
Supervised experience in the teaching field which allows the teacher's performance to be evaluated qualitatively.

SPE 590 Special Topics 4 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 8 hours.

SPE 594 Directed Study and Research 2, 4 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 1-12 cr
Supervised experiences in the teaching field which allow the teacher's performance to be evaluated qualitatively.

SPE 599 Thesis 1-12 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 4 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 4 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 4 cr
Disorders/Emotional Conflict
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 4 cr
A study of the principles 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 1-4 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 2-4 cr
Students explore through directed study problems and issues of special interest or significance in Special Education.

SPE 699 Research Project 4 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. MR majors may not take more than eight hours.

Courses of Instruction

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