Special Education (SPED)
SPED 160 Introduction to Special Education (Cr3)(3:0)
Nature and needs of children with special needs, with attention to the role of families; federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Pennsylvania Commonwealth laws and regulations; classifications of disabilities, service options, procedural safeguards; review of current issues, research, and techniques for educating children with disabilities. Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 161 Accommodating Children with Exceptionalities in the Classroom (Cr3)(2:2)
Techniques of restructuring, adapting, and modifying education environments to accommodate individual needs of children, including the physical, behavioral, academic, communication, and social environments. Pre- or coreq. - SPED 160. Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 162 Foundations of Special Education (Cr3)(3:0)
Definition, etiology, and characteristics of a variety of disabilities; diagnostic material and techniques for identifying and assessing students with disabilities; complexities of disabilities in relationship to family systems and implications for educational services. Pre- or coreq. - SPED 160. Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 163 Instructional Strategies for Children with Exceptionalities (Cr3)(2:2)
Process of developing, implementing and monitoring individualized instructional strategies; implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) through goals and objectives; special emphasis on working with children who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Pre- or coreq. - SPED 160 . Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 164 The Paraeducator Professional (Cr3)(3:0)
The role and responsibilities of the paraeducator in relationship to the child, family, and educators; knowledge and skills necessary for collaboration and positive communication with families, regular and special educators and other professional staff within diverse learning environments; legal, health and safety, school systems, confidentiality, and professional standards issues. Pre- or coreq. - SPED 160. Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 166 Assistive Technology for Children with Exceptionalities (Cr3)(3:0)
Role of assistive technology as a related service in supporting children with exceptionalities in educational environments; legal requirements and funding issues; identification of national, state, and local resources and the opportunity for hands-on experiences with a wide array of technological devices. Pre- or coreq. - SPED 160. Also available through Online Learning.
SPED 210 Internship (Cr6)(2:0:15 practicum)
Field placement for 195 hours in an actual classroom under the supervision of a professional teacher; exposure to both inclusive and specialized settings. Prereq. - SPED 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, and 166. Also available through Online Learning.
