COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.

SPED 700 INTRODUCTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF
                       STUDENTS WITH ADAPTIVE LEARNING NEEDS
This course prepares the teacher with an understanding of students' diverse learning needs and characteristics that support their cognitive, physical, social, emotional and career development needs. The teacher will develop the understanding of the philosophical, historical and legal foundations of the interrelatedness of education and special education.

SPED 702 ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND
                       STRATEGIES:   K-6 AND/OR GRADES 5-8
This course prepares the teacher to plan and implement effective instructional methods and strategies to meet the needs of diverse adaptive learners in the K-6 and/or grades 5-8 classroom. Prerequisite SPED 700.

SPED 703 ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND
                       STRATEGIES:  GRADES 6-12
Analyzes race, class, and gender issues relating to learning and organizational development. Candidates identify and analyze the social and cultural issues affecting policy and practice of education in a pluralistic society, and monitor instruction and learning in a culturally diverse system. Candidates explore the impact of policy on equal educational opportunity for domestic ethnic and gender groups. Decision-making framework for developing equity cultures in schools and other organizations are applied to program development and its components of staff training, instructional methods, interactional patterns, and assessment.

SPED 704 ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES AND
                      METHODS FIELD PRACTICUM
The teacher in this field-based practicum demonstrates knowledge and skill in planning and implementing effective instruction, which is built upon standards-based goals for content, students, and community. The teacher promotes a supportive learning environment that encourages student participation. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in SPED 702 or SPED 703

SPED 706 COLLABORATIONS WITH PARENTS AND AGENCIES
This course instructs the teacher in effective communication and collaboration skills in working with parents and agencies. Proven strategies in problem solving and conflict resolution will be covered. Prerequisite SPED 700.

SPED 708 ASSESSMENTS OF STUDENTS WITH ADAPTIVE
                       LEARNING NEEDS
This course prepares the teacher to screen, assess and identify the needs of adaptive learners and then effectively link the information gathered to intervention strategies and methods. Prerequisite SPED 700.

SPED 710 COMMUNICATION / COLLABORATION WITHIN THE
                       SCHOOL SETTING
The course prepares the teacher to develop and refine communication and collaborative skills and knowledge to work effectively with students, para educators, administrators, teachers, volunteers, and other school personnel to foster a supportive learning environment. Prerequisite SPED 700.

SPED 712 CREATING OPTIMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
                       FOR STUDENTS WITH ADAPTIVE LEARNING NEEDS
This course prepares the teacher to develop the knowledge and skills in behavior management to foster positive relations, promote student self-advocacy, and support student problem-solving to facilitate learning. Prerequisite SPED 700.

SPED 714 INQUIRY, DATA COLLECTION, AND RESEARCH
This course assists the teacher in developing knowledge of data collection and research techniques that will enable her to design a research project that addresses a specific educational practice in a classroom setting with students with adaptive learning needs. This plan will be implemented in SPED 716. Prerequisites SPED 700, SPED 702 or 703, SPED 704, SPED 706, SPED 708, SPED 710, SPED 712.

SPED 716 ADVANCED PRACTICUM
This advanced, field-based practicum focuses on the teacher as a facilitator of effective instruction, developer of supportive learning environments, and a promoter of social skills, who demonstrates professional, ethical, collaborative, and effective communication skills. The research project designed in SPED 714 will be conducted during this practicum. Prerequisite SPED 714.

SPED 720 NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
This course examines the processes of negotiation and conflict resolution and prepares the teacher to develop problem-solving strategies with parents, educators, and other community professionals. A variety of effective strategies and techniques will be presented through simulation, role-playing, readings, lectures, and discussions. 

SPED 722 COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
This course prepares teachers to address the common communication problems of students with special needs. Course topics include strategies to accommodate the special needs of students with speech and language disorders, including English language learners.