EDSE - Education - Special Education

Students will develop instructional strategies and approaches that are culturally relevant and meet the learning and language needs of students. The course will focus on the identification and use of standards-based and research-proven methodologies that strengthen the demonstration of respect for diversity in areas of exceptionality and language. Students will design effective instructional strategies, interventions, and supports that respect individual learning differences and exceptionalities.

Students will explore current assessment practices with emphasis on legal and ethical considerations, formal and informal assessment tools, test scores, and technical adequacy. They will gain experience making accommodations, using observational assessment, evaluating teacher-made tests, and selecting appropriate diagnostic measures for determining eligibility and accountability for students with exceptionalities of all ages. The course will focus on the use of assessment data to make informed instructional decisions and respectful communication of assessment results. This course requires field experiences.

This course will focus on exploring evidence-based methodologies for understanding and managing behavior. Students will examine behaviors as related to disability, study functional behavior assessment, and develop behavior intervention plans. Emphasis will be given to legal mandates associated with analyzing behavior and utilizing interventions within the schools with individuals affected by disability. The course requires field experiences.

Students will develop effective teaching strategies and interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Based on an understanding of the etiology Autism Spectrum Disorder, students will create evidence-based instructional practices that use assistive technologies to address specific academic, behavioral, social, and communication needs. Students will cultivate skills in effectively supporting and enhancing students' success in various environments. This course requires field experiences.

This course will equip students to collaborate with other educators, service providers, and parents to develop and implement appropriate services and supports for students with disabilities. Students will strengthen their interpersonal skills as they seek to address challenges that affect families with children with disabilities. The course will focus on promoting the essential skills of communication and problem solving through developing self-awareness of the influence of their own and others' attitudes, behaviors, and ways of communicating on instructional practice. Students will collaborate in culturally responsive ways with families, other educators, related service providers, and personnel from community agencies. This course requires field experiences. Prerequisites: EDSE-520, EDSE-530, EDSE-540

Teachers will explore professional issues around disability services. Topics include definition, life-span concerns, community collaboration, response to intervention, religion and culture, laws, and bio-medical ethics. The seminar provides teachers with an opportunity to investigate topics that are relevant to their own teaching practice to promote a Christian response to disability.