MEd. in Special Education for Certified Special Educators

• Special Education Foundations and Framework
  
  This course orients students to the special education program, the field. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and Council for Exceptional Children Standards, which guide special education research practices, are also discussed. It includes an introduction to creating a professional portfolio.
  
  
• Educating Learners with Diverse Needs
  
  Emphasis will be placed on definitions, etiology, characteristics, and prevalence of various exceptionalities; laws and litigation protecting the rights of students with special needs and their families.
  
  

• Characteristics of Students with Mental Retardation
  
  The focus of this course is to provide the special education student with advanced knowledge of MR, including the history with attention to law and litigation, definition, causes, and characteristics of MR in children and adults.
  
  
• Strategies for Teaching Students with Mental Retardation
  
  This course is designed to advance the special educator's understanding and mastery of methods appropriate for meeting the educational needs of elementary and secondary students with MR.
  
  

• Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities
  
  The focus of this course is to provide the special education student with advanced knowledge of LD, including the history with attention to law and litigation, definition, causes, and characteristics of learning disabilities in children and adults.
  
  
• Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
  
  This course is designed to advance the special educator’s understanding and mastery of methods appropriate for meeting the educational needs of elementary and secondary students with LD.
  
  

• Characteristics of Students with Emotional Disabilities
  
  The focus of this course is to provide the special education student with advanced knowledge of ED, including the history with attention to law and litigation, definition, etiology, types, and characteristics of students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
  
  
• Strategies for Teaching Students with Emotional Disorders
  
  This course is designed to advance the special educator's understanding and mastery of methods appropriate for meeting the educational needs of elementary and secondary students with ED.
  
  

• Educational Implications for Students with Physical and Health Impairments
  
  This course provides students with knowledge of physical and other health impairments and the impact of these disabilities on the lives of individuals. Students investigate means to enhance individuals' quality of life through participation in home, school, and community activities.
  
  
• Physical Education for the Exceptional Student
  
  Participants will develop skills in methods and techniques of teaching exceptional students motor activities individually and in groups. Emphasis will be placed on creating individualized lesson plans with specific goals and objectives.
  
  

• Diagnosis and Assessment in Special Education
  
  This capstone course in special education is designed to incorporate issues in collaboration and communication and to synthesize the special education process from assessment to delivery of instruction. Specific skill development includes assessing students with disabilities, completing special education forms, and conducting meetings and conferences with parents and school professionals.
  
  
• Diagnosis and Assessment in Special Education
  
  This capstone course in special education is designed to incorporate issues in collaboration and communication and to synthesize the special education process from assessment to delivery of instruction.
  
  
• Special Education Litigation and Law
  
  Participants examine legal issues, recent court decisions, and current law relating to special education
  
  
• Special Education Finance
  
  Participants investigate the policies, practices, and issues relating to special education finance at the local, state, and federal levels, including sources, legal mandates, and budgeting.
  
  
• Special Education Program Development
  
  Participants will demonstrate understanding of principles and processes of special education program development by designing, implementing, and evaluating programs for students with special needs.
  
  
• Assistive Technology in Special Education
  
  Participants become skilled at applying modifications and adaptations available through current low-tech and high-tech assistive devices designed to address individual needs for an appropriate education.