Bilingual Education Course Descriptions
Early Childhood Course Descriptions
Reading Course Descriptions
Special Education Course Descriptions

SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPD 231 INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL EDUCATION. This survey course presents characteristics of special needs students, historical perspectives of special education, recommended educational approaches, current trends and issues in special education. Twenty (20) hours field observation required. Credit 3.
SPD 317 CURRICULUM AND METHODS LABORATORY. Taken with SPD 367. Credit 1.
SPD 331 BEHAVIOR DISORDERS. This course provides a study of the defining characteristics, systems of classification and diagnosis, theories of causality, and interventions for behaviorally disordered children. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Sophomore standing. Credit 3.
SPD 367 CURRICULUM AND METHODS FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH. Emphasis is placed on the selection and evaluation of teaching methods, lesson planning, use of audio-visual materials, and the preparation of instructional materials appropriate for students with special education needs. Taken concurrently with SPD 317. Prerequisite: SPD 231. Credit 3.
SPD 377 LEARNING AND LEARNING DISABILITIES. Learning disabilities are examined with emphasis on history, definition, causation, and remediation techniques. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Junior standing. Credit 3.
SPD 378 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. This course addresses a variety of techniques that can be utilized to create, maintain, increase, or decrease individual and group behaviors. Behavior management techniques from a variety of theoretical models will be examined. The basic principles, tools, and techniques of communicating with parents of exceptional children and implementing parent education programs will also be examined. Prerequisites: SPD 231 and Junior standing. Credit 3.
SPD 438 DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH. An overview of formal and informal assessment for special education is provided. This course includes basic concepts of measurement, assessment of academic achievement, screening tools, diagnostic testing, individual and group intelligence tests, perceptual skills, sensory acuity and adaptive behavior. Prerequisites: SPD 231, 331, and 377. Credit 3.
SPD 460 PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL RETARDATION. This course includes a study of the nature and causes of mental retardation; the characteristics, needs, and life span issues of individuals with mental retardation. Twenty (20) hours of field placement required. Prerequisite: SPD 231. Credit 3.
SPD 474 INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. Designed to permit individual students to study specific areas of interest and need. Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair. Credit 3.
SPD 484 STUDENT TEACHING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. The student is assigned to student teach in a classroom setting which serves students with special education needs. Must be taken with EED 491 and 492 or SED 496. Credit 3.
SPD 490 PRACTICUM IN TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN: EARLY CHILDHOOD. This course provides conditions under which the student can demonstrate competencies by working with young children with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified teacher. This course provides experience in designing individual instructional plans, data collection, and instructional adaptations. Prerequisite: SPD 231. Credit 3.

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