Course Descriptions
SPED 540 Introduction to Special Education and Learning Disorders
An introduction to special education including an overview of historical/legal foundations, individualized educational plans, and exceptionalities in childhood. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature of learning disorders (i.e., learning disabilities, speech/language disorders, and mental retardation).
SPED 541 Multicultural/Multilingual Issues in Learning
An introduction to culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. Topics covered include the types of disabilities among children from various cultural and language backgrounds, perception of disabilities across cultures, reasons for the overrepresentation of various racial and ethnic groups in special education programs, the effects of second language acquisition on current classroom learning, and the assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse students with learning difficulties.
SPED 542 Teaching Students with Learning Disorders
An examination of the methods and curriculum that have been demonstrated to be effective for students with learning disorders.
SPED 543 Introduction to Behavior Disorders and Intervention
Overview of the common behavior and emotional disorders commonly found in general and special education settings. An introduction to the principles of effective inclusive teaching, behavior management, applied behavioral analysis, functional assessment, and intervention.
SPED 545 School Consultation and Intervention
Methods for the special education teachers, reading specialists, and school psychologists to work cooperatively with general educators to effectively teach students with disabilities. This course presents observational techniques, consulting skills, effective communication skills, and dealing with resistance. Applications to working in teams and committees are examined.
SPED 546 Advanced Behavioral Intervention
Advanced techniques in the teaching, management, and intervention of students with severe behavior disorders. Applied behavior analyses, cognitive behavior modification, and social skills training will be among the techniques discussed.
SPED 547 Teaching Students with Low Incidence Disabilities
Examination of the characteristics of students with low incidence disabilities. Emphasis on effective trends and practices in their education.
SPSY 564 Individual Educational Assessment
Comparison of various methods used in the diagnosis of learning problems. Selection, administration and analysis of tests plus writing educational prescription.
SPSY 562 Family/School Collaboration
Focus on theory and skills to work collaboratively with families and professionals at an individual, group and systems level. Includes knowledge of diverse family influences on student learning, and introduces theoretical application of system thinking to work with families and organizations.
SPED 549 Practicum: Special Education
Diagnostic and prescriptive teaching with children who have learning or behavior problems. Development of IEPs. Laboratory course.
Literacy Courses
LITC 525 Seminar in Literacy Instruction
Development of literacy processes and skills at all levels; examination and evaluation of current instructional and assessment practices, research, and materials.
LITC 524 Literacy Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment and evaluation of literacy. Examines formal and informal assessment measures, instructional techniques and materials, and clinical programs and approaches.
LITC 527 Specialized Literacy Techniques
Identification of components of effective corrective literacy programs. Description and application of specialized literacy techniques, assessment, and material. Evaluation and design of literacy instructional approaches for students with specialized learning needs.