Special Education and Disability Studies

SPED 0920. Continuing Research - Master's. 1 Credit.

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SPED 0940. Continuing Research - Doctoral. 1 Credit.

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SPED 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.

SPED 6100. Selected Topics. 1-12 Credits.

Topics and fees announced in the Schedule of Classes. Credit cannot be earned for this course and CNSL 6100, CPED 6100, CPED 6199.

SPED 6101. Research and Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Individual study or research under guidance of staff member. Permission of the advisor required prior to enrollment. May be repeated for credit.

SPED 6200. Foundations of Reading Instruction. 3 Credits.

The fundamentals of literacy instruction, the scientific basis of teaching of reading, and the collection of diagnostic data. Focus on supporting learners from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

SPED 6201. Overview of Legal Issues in Educating Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Survey course to acquaint prospective teachers with special education, key legislation applicable to the field of special education, and the various educational modifications necessary to accommodate children with disabilities in a school program.

SPED 6202. Researching Current Trends in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Exploration of a data-driven framework for assessing evidence-based practices in special education for collecting, analyzing, and communicating student progress.

SPED 6203. Research and Practice of Diagnostic Reading for Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Examination of the reading process as well as diagnostic measures and instructional interventions to promote reading competency for students with disabilities.

SPED 6204. Analysis of Personalized Teaching for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Attitudes and beliefs about team teaching, dynamics of collaboration, interpersonal communication, culturally responsive teaching, social justice, inclusionary environments, and diverse environments in which special educators work.

SPED 6210. Universal Design for Learning and Assessment. 3 Credits.

Overview and introduction to universal design for learning, including contemporary issues, applications of digital and assistive technologies, and tools for developing a comprehensive plan for implementation.

SPED 6214. Applied Research in Secondary Transition Practices. 3 Credits.

Students develop applied research knowledge and skills in the field of secondary transition; evaluate evidence-based transition practices to ensure positive post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities; and conduct, evaluate, and use inquiry to guide professional practices and interventions.

SPED 6221. Accessing Community Systems for Individuals with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Overview of access to community systems and service delivery for individuals with special needs and their families. Material fee.

SPED 6222. Leadership in Disability Public Policy. 3 Credits.

Examination, interpretation, and analysis of legislation and policies affecting the education and career development of individuals with disabilities. Emphasis on federal legislation in the context of national policy reform in disability services.

SPED 6223. Introduction to Brain Injury: Programs, Policies, and Resources. 3 Credits.

An overview of acquired brain injury and its effects; current trends in the field, related policy, research, and development of new resources.

SPED 6224. Brain Function and Impact of Brain Injury on Learning and Education. 3 Credits.

Provides an in-depth understanding of neuroanatomy related to the impact of brain injury on child and adolescent development and learning to prepare educators to participate in educational assessment and planning.

SPED 6227. Technology in Vocational Evaluation. 3 Credits.

Introduction to an array of assistive technology services and products facilitating professional interventions and vocational evaluation procedures; application to the assessment of persons with disabilities. Material fee.

SPED 6228. Community-Based Assessment and Work Sample Development. 3 Credits.

Introduction to community-based vocational appraisal methods; development of job training analysis skills, labor market surveys, work samples; requirements of The Americans with Disabilities Act; incorporation of assistive technology; classroom theory and field work. Material fee.

SPED 6229. Interpretation and Application of Academic and Vocational Assessment Information. 3 Credits.

Specific strategies and techniques to analyze, interpret, and synthesize assessment information for the development of comprehensive academic/vocational profiles for adolescents and adults with disabilities. Observation and recording procedures, report development, and postassessment conferencing are emphasized. Material fee.

SPED 6230. Person-Centered Assessment Practices. 3 Credits.

Investigation of vocational appraisal processes and techniques for individuals with disabilities. Includes assessment for transition using field-based assignments.

SPED 6231. Evidence-Based Instructional Practices in Secondary Transition. 3 Credits.

Evidence-based practices for preparing individuals with disabilities for postsecondary education and employment; skills related to professional collaboration and effective design of instruction for students with disabilities.

SPED 6232. Foundations in Special Education, Career Development, and Transition. 3 Credits.

Overview of historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of career development and transition. Explores directions for career development/transition practices in the context of educational reform and social and political change. Material fee.

SPED 6233. Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Theory and practice in planning, implementing, and evaluating curriculum for individuals with disabilities; techniques for modifying curriculum and materials for individualized programming. Field-site curriculum implementation is required.

SPED 6234. Seminar in Advanced Writing and Professional Presentation. 3-6 Credits.

Analysis and development of advanced professional writing skills, including literature synthesis, persuasive writing, and proposal writing. Material fee.

SPED 6235. Person-Centered Career Development Practices and Outcomes. 3 Credits.

Rationale, occupational resources, and programming strategies for job placement and the development and coordination of employment programs for individuals with disabilities.

SPED 6236. Foundations of Transition Discoveries Youth Driven Practice. 3 Credits.

Introduction to programs and services that provide career development and transition planning for individuals with disabilities.

SPED 6237. Learning Strategies, Assessment, and Instruction for Individuals with Learning Disabilities. 3-6 Credits.

Theory and practice in evidence-based reading interventions. Learning strategies; content enhancement focused on literacy and self-determination. Material fee.

SPED 6238. Issues in Educating Individuals with Learning, Emotional, and Intellectual Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics of individuals with learning disabilities; etiological theories; educational service delivery models, with particular emphasis on the adolescent with learning disabilities. Policy issues, continuum of services, and the transition from school to post-school environments. Material fee.

SPED 6239. Teaching and Collaboration for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Attitudes and beliefs regarding team teaching, collaboration, and inclusionary environments; interpersonal communication, the dynamics of collaborative teams, and environments in which special educators work. Materials fee.

SPED 6240. Family Support and Collaboration in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Principles of culturally responsive, family‐centered collaborative practice. Surveys critical family systems theory; relationship‐building; risk/resiliency, stress/trauma, and parent engagement strategies; and evidence‐based collaboration practices.

SPED 6242. Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Programming for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Application of the neurodevelopmental model to techniques for developing and implementing educational programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. SPED 6263 or SPED 6268 may be taken as a corequisite. Material fee. Prerequisites: SPED 6263 or SPED 6268; or permission of the instructor.

SPED 6243. Developmental Assessment of Infants. 3 Credits.

Theory and current practice in the assessment of infants with or at risk for developmental disabilities. Material fee.

SPED 6244. Ethical Considerations in Neonatal and Infant Intervention. 3 Credits.

Overview of the major ethical issues involved in neonatal and infant intervention. The impact of recent and emerging technological innovations considered from medical, legal, ethical, and psychosocial perspectives. Material fee.

SPED 6245. Developmental Implications of Prematurity and Risk. 3 Credits.

Causes of prematurity. Conditions that place children at developmental and educational risk.

SPED 6253. Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders. 3 Credits.

Overview of autism spectrum disorders with a focus on etiology, characteristics, and evidence-based practices. Topics include defining, assessing, accommodating, and instructing students with autism spectrum disorders.

SPED 6254. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Transition to Employment and Post-Secondary Life. 3 Credits.

The policies, principles, models, and processes involved in job development, job accommodations and modifications, and employment and post-secondary placement services for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Legislation is reviewed in terms of its impact on placement of persons with autism who transition into the workplace and/or post-secondary education.

SPED 6255. Collaboration with Systems and Families. 3 Credits.

Overview of models and strategies for coordinating services across disciplines and among school and community agencies for special populations. Emphasis on interdisciplinary team coordination, communication, decision making, planning, and follow-up for individuals with disabilities. Material fee.

SPED 6260. Developmental Assessment in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Theory and application of formal measurement techniques and informal classroom assessment to program specifically for students with disabilities.

SPED 6261. Practicum in Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Special Education. 3,6 Credits.

Implementation of educational strategies and materials, including designing and developing teaching materials, classroom teaching, feedback and evaluation with professor. A seminar accompanies this clinical experience.

SPED 6262. Formal Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Weekly seminar designed to prepare early childhood special educators to translate formal assessment data into instructional programming. Requires fieldwork with children. Material fee. Prerequisite: SPED 6260 .

SPED 6263. Development of the Infant with Special Needs. 3 Credits.

The processes of normal infant development and interrelationships among areas of development; relationship of these processes to the growth and development of infants with or at risk for developmental disabilities. Material fee.

SPED 6264. Medical and Genetic Conditions of Infants and Children with Developmental Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Introduction to medical and genetic conditions that affect the cognitive, language, and social development of infants and children with developmental disabilities.

SPED 6266. Development of Language and Literacy. 3 Credits.

Integrated survey of language development; principles of psycholinguistics, typical and divergent language development, and connections to early literacy development; survey of evidence-based language interventions and science of reading instruction.

SPED 6267. Instructional and Assistive Technology in Early Childhood Special Education. 2,3 Credits.

Instructional strategies and assistive technology and their implications and uses for young children (0 to 5 yrs) in a wide variety of environments. Lectures, laboratory, and demonstrations. Material fee.

SPED 6268. Development of Children and Youth with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Theories and models of typical and divergent development in early childhood; milestones, trajectories, and interventions in linguistic, cognitive, motor, adaptive, social-emotional domains; developmental science translation for early education.

SPED 6269. Characteristics of and Instructional Methods for Young Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Principles of special education and disability studies; characteristics of and instructional methods for young children identified with delays/disabilities; translation of disability studies frameworks to evidence-based early childhood education.

SPED 6272. Strategies for Inclusion: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners. 3 Credits.

Strategies by which teachers can more effectively assume the responsibility to serve all children in an inclusionary setting, including those who are second language learners and students with disabilities. Same as CPED 6172. Material fee.

SPED 6273. Impact of Culture on Education. 3 Credits.

The impact of culture and ethnicity on educational experiences. The relationship between school culture in the United States, one’s own culture(s), and the cultures of diverse populations existing within our schools. Values, norms, rules, ethics, beliefs, attitudes, expectations, and assumptions of various cultures. Material fee.

SPED 6274. In-Service Planning/Programmng. 3 Credits.

SPED 6275. The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student with Disabilities: Policy, Research, and Trends. 3 Credits.

Educational service delivery for the culturally and linguistically diverse student. National, state, and local policies; current research in bilingual education, special education, and bilingual special education. Same as CPED 6175. Material fee.

SPED 6276. Academic and Psychosocial Assessment of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student. 3 Credits.

Issues in academic and psychosocial assessment of second language learners. The impact of second language acquisition and culture on the assessment process; differentiation between language difference and disability; IEP development; the use of interpreters and translators; the involvement of family and communities; standardized and alternative assessments; and legislative mandates. Same as CPED 6176. Material fee.

SPED 6277. Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Methods and materials for teaching students with disabilities who are English language learners. Classroom management, instructional and assessment strategies, materials and curricula, and collaborating with families and communities to meet the cultural, linguistic, academic, social, and emotional needs of students in various settings. Material fee.

SPED 6280. Developmental Assessment of Adolescents. 3 Credits.

Formal and informal psychoeducational assessment; assessment instruments commonly used with upper-elementary, junior, and senior high school students; the writing of psychoeducational reports. Material fee.

SPED 6283. The Urban Impact on Children and Youth with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Effects of the total environment in which inner-city children live on their ability to learn and their cognitive, social–behavioral, and physical/health development. Material fee.

SPED 6288. Understanding the Characteristics and Needs of Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Exploration of human development and the characteristics of students with various learning, health, and emotional and behavioral disabilities. Specific attention to the academic, social, and emotional needs of students with disabilities.

SPED 6290. Affective Development and Behavior Management for Teaching Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Theory, programming, and behavior management strategies for classroom teachers. Students are exposed to theoretical and practical points of view and to research-based interventions.

SPED 6299. Federal Education Policy Institute. 3 Credits.

The federal role in education policymaking in the context of national, state, and local efforts to create school environments for effective learning and the promotion of social and emotional health in children and youth. Same as CPED 6199.

SPED 6990. Practicum in Teaching Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Graduate students plan and apply personalized teaching strategies for students with disabilities and refine instructional and behavior management strategies. Includes field experience and a weekly seminar.

SPED 6991. Internship in Teaching Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Graduate students plan and apply personalized teaching strategies for students with disabilities and refine instructional and behavior management strategies. Includes field experience, supervision and a weekly seminar.

SPED 6992. Behavior Management Practicum: Adolescents with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Field-based examination of theory of behavior development and techniques for classroom management. Material fee.

SPED 6993. Internship: Teaching Young Children with Disabilities. 3 Credits.

Integrative, culminating theory-to-practice experiential internship; synthesis and demonstration of teaching competencies aligned to professional standards of practice; principles of effective and equitable teaching for all young learners. Prerequisites: SPED 6261.

SPED 6994. Internship: Early Intervention. 3-6 Credits.

Supervised internship in early intervention. Weekly seminar. Material fee.

SPED 6995. Secondary Transition Leadership Internship. 1-9 Credits.

A 150-hour supervised internship in school- and community-based settings involved in career, vocational, and transition services. Prerequisites: SPED 6236.

SPED 6996. Teaching Internship in Transition Special Education. 3-6 Credits.

Supervised teaching internship; seminar required. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Material fee.

SPED 6997. Internship in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities. 3-6 Credits.

Supervised internship and weekly seminar. A full-time, field-based teaching experience working with students with disabilities who are English language learners. Writing an appropriate IEP, interacting with families and communities, and planning and implementing instructional approaches and strategies. Material fee.

SPED 8100. Selected Topics. 1-12 Credits.

Topics and fees announced in the Schedule of Classes.

SPED 8101. Research and Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Individual research under guidance of a staff member. Program and conferences arranged with program advisor.

SPED 8301. Research Seminar in Special Education. 1-12 Credits.

Participation in a small group with a selected faculty member; research on and discussion of an area of common interest. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment.

SPED 8303. Administration and Supervision of Special Education. 3 Credits.

Philosophy and nature of special education; program organization, administration, and development. Surveying local needs; program evaluation and supervision. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Material fee.

SPED 8304. Research and Trends in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Emphasis on topical research issues, problems of conducting research, and research syntheses. Material fee.

SPED 8305. Foundations of Neuroscience in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Develops understanding of the neurological bases of sensation and perception, object recognition, control of motor action, learning and memory, emotion and language, attention, consciousness and cognitive control, and social cognition.

SPED 8306. Advanced Study in Development Science and Variance I: The Early Years. 3 Credits.

Consideration of cognitive neuroscience research on developmental issues of infancy and early years; assessment, identification, and related prevention and intervention. Prerequisite: SPED 8305.

SPED 8308. Preparation for the Professoriate in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Philosophical, ethical, and methodological aspects of personnel preparation in university and field-based programs; opportunities for practice in pedagogical design and delivery. Material fee.

SPED 8310. Advanced Study in Development Science and Variance II: The Later Years. 3 Credits.

Consideration of cognitive neuroscience research on adolescent development, including executive functioning, self-regulation, atypicality in learning, social and emotional behavior, motivation, and attention. Prerequisite: SPED 8306.

SPED 8311. Doctoral Proseminar: Scholarly Writing in Applied Settings. 3 Credits.

Professional writing enrichment course that builds upon recent approaches to scholarly writing instruction and adapts them to the level of skill required of graduate and advanced graduate students. Prerequisite: SPED 8310.

SPED 8343. Psychoeducational Diagnosis in Special Education. 3 Credits.

The range of diagnostic and intervention strategies applicable to the student who presents psychosocial and related learning difficulties. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment. Material fee.

SPED 8345. Consultation and the Change Process. 3 Credits.

Consultation models from organizational development, organizational psychology, and mental health applied to professional practice in education and special education. Material fee.

SPED 8352. Disability and Public Policy. 3 Credits.

Overview of current legislation and public policy affecting education, employment, and civil rights of individuals with disabilities. The evolution of disability policies and their relationship to principles of social justice. Material fee.

SPED 8353. Post-Master’s Internship in Special Education. 1-6 Credits.

Supervised professional internship in college teaching, administration, supervision, research, or policymaking. Internships are individually arranged. Permission of the instructor required prior to enrollment.

SPED 8354. Doctoral Internship: Special Education. 1-6 Credits.

Supervised professional internship in research college teaching, administration, policymaking, or private agency function. Permission of the advisor required prior to enrollment.

SPED 8360. Interdisciplinary Techniques in the Diagnostic Process in Special Education. 3 Credits.

Application of theoretical concepts of assessment; development of assessment programs; interpretation and application of interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations. Material fee. Prerequisites: SPED 6260 and permission of the instructor.

SPED 8998. Doctoral Seminar in Special Education. 3-6 Credits.

Review of literature in a topical area; preparation of a dissertation proposal and a manuscript of publishable quality. Permission of the instructor and major advisor required prior to enrollment. Material fee.

SPED 8999. Dissertation Research. 3,6 Credits.

Prerequisite: SPED 8998.