Special Education Practicum
The practicum experiences are designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through coursework in Special Education in an educational setting. In these courses, students utilize diagnostic and prescriptive teaching with children who have learning and behavior problems. In the practicum, at a minimum, students shadow an experienced special education teacher, participate in classroom activities, write up a case study for a particular student with a disability, complete an individualized education program (IEP), design interventions, and implement the intervention in the presence of the supervising teacher.
The practicum classes are laboratory courses and require the completion of EDUC 500 (if required in program of study), SPED 540, 542, 543, and 545 prior to enrollment. In addition, prior to enrollment in the practicum, the student must have advanced to candidacy and have permission of the advisor. As much as possible, the practicum should serve as a culminating experience in each student’s program.
For all students in special education, three credits of practicum are required. The practicum entails 30 hours of on-site practicum work. An additional three-credit practicum experience in another setting may be taken as an elective if desired and if approved by the student’s advisor.