Special Education Generalist Degree

Courses for all Special Education majors

• EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education

  Credits: 3
  
  Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.

• EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy

  Credits: 0

  Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.
  
  Notes: Graded S/NC

• EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition

  Credits: 3

  Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.

  Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
  Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy

• EDU 275 PK-12 Instructional Design

  Credits: 3

  Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.

  Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.

• EDU 445 Preparing for Level 3: Clinical Practice

  Credits: 0

  Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.
  
  Dual-listed: EDU 545
  Notes: Graded S/NC

• SPD 160 Intro to Special Education

  Credits: 3

  Description: Introduction to Special Education (3) The process of special education including an introduction to the laws, services and categories will be presented in this course. Philosophy, characteristics of exceptional learners and an overview of educational practices will be discussed. (Available to all Education majors)

• SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods

  Credits: 3

  Description: This course will focus on functional curriculum design, program development, classroom organization, instructional strategies, and materials for teaching a functional curriculum to K-12 learners with low incidence disabilities. Self-determination, self-advocacy, and transition to independent living will be topics addressed in this course. A focus on the use of assistive technology to promote functional skill instruction will be addressed.

  Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education, and SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6

• SPD 302 Inclusion and Co-teaching in General Education

  Credits: 3

  Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.

  Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• SPD 332 Special Education Law

  Credits: 3

  Description: Historical implications of special education law within the present and future educational settings

  Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.

• SPD 352 Assessment, Evaluation, and the IEP K-12

  Credits: 3

  Description: Multidisciplinary Team process and construction of the Individual Education Plan will be explored with an emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse best practices.

  Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.

• SPD 452 Consultation and Collaboration

  Credits: 3

  Description: Effective techniques of working with parents, educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, agencies, and other professional personnel. (Available to all Education majors)

  Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

• SPD 461 Practicum in Special Education

  Credits: 3

  Description: Practical application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions acquired through prior coursework. Enable learners to demonstrate the state and national performance and practice-based standards through 100 supervised hours of field experience.

  Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), SPD 255 Functional Curriculum and Instructional Methods, and SPD 160, 252, or 254.

• Special Education K-6 courses

  Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist K-6 subject endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.

  • EDU 340 Early Reading (3 credits) - Current methods, materials, and research findings related to the teaching of reading in a balanced program up through the primary level. Comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, and phonics instruction will be addressed. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and EDU 216 Children’s Literature
     
  • EDU 423 Development of Social Studies in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement social studies and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of social studies. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • EDU 430 Literacy Assessment (3 credits) - The assessment, analysis, and instruction of children’s literacy development to include a field experience. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and successful completion of EDU 340 Early Reading or EDU 341 Intermediate Reading or graduate standing.
     
  • EDU 432 Development of Mathematics in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement mathematics and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of mathematics. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and completion of all coursework except the professional semester and clinical practice.
     
  • EDU 431 Development of Science in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement science activities and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of science. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and completion of one course in General Studies biology or physical science.
     
  • SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to elementary aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to secondary education. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education.
     
  • SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) - Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • SPD 458 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education K-6 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. (Graded S/NC). Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks).

  Plus one of the following courses:

  • CNA 451 Speech Pathology (3 credits) - Characteristics, causes, and treatment of speech and hearing disorders. Designed for teachers to aid in recognizing speech and language disorders in the classroom.
     
  • EDU 318 Professional Communication (3 credits) - Students will examine the concepts of written and spoken communication as practiced in a healthy, productive school environment with a focus on human interaction. Students will evaluate their communicative ability in parent-teacher conferencing, staff meetings, and interpretations of test results and in day-to-day communication with students, colleagues, and administration. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • EDU 350 The Middle Level Teacher (3 credits) - In this course, students will examine the history and philosophy of middle level education, the concepts of teaming and learning communities, knowledge specific to curriculum and learner-centered instructional design in the core subjects, assessment appropriate for middle level learners, and other organizational and communication models specific to middle level education. Prerequisite: Candidacy in Educator Preparation. Notes: This course should be taken prior to enrollment in EDU 332, 423, 431, 432, and the required sections of EDU 409.
     
  • HUS 202 Introduction to Human Services (3 credits) - This course summarizes the history and standards of the human services profession. It also clarifies the personality characteristics, skills, and knowledge that lead to the development of effective human services professionals. Students implement these during service-learning activities in human services agencies in the community (as available) and discuss their experiences in small reflection groups.
     
  • HUS 218 Personal Growth (3 credits) - An introduction to the study of personal growth with an emphasis upon facilitating self-awareness, personal growth, and adjustment. An understanding of oneself and others will be addressed along with such issues as friendship, stress, motivation, work, decision making, emotions, intimate relationships, sexuality, and others.
     
  • SOC 245 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits) - Study of the history, place, and role of ethnic and racial groups in American society. The course examines the social construction and consequences of majority-minority group relations to understand the differences and similarities in the adjustment processes of race and ethnic groups in American society.
• Special Education 7-12 courses

  Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist 7-12 subject endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.

  • SPD 254 Instructional Methods for Special Education 7-12(3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to adolescents and young adult aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to post-secondary goals. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
     
  • SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) -Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
     
  • SPD 460 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education 7-12 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary school under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. (Graded S/NC). Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
     

  Plus one of the following courses:

  • CED 417 Principles of Career Education (3 credits) - This course will provide students with the understanding of the five relationships critical for planning and implementing a career education program; politics and government, academics and total school offerings, student achievement and life application, business and industry and the individual’s role as a professional educator. Career Education reflects the historical, evolutionary, and technological changes in career education, the impact of legislation, work and demand for new knowledge and skills in a global economy.
     
  • CED 423 Coordinating Techniques (3 credits) - The study of cooperative programs in career and technical education with emphasis in the areas of business, family and consumer sciences, and skilled and technical sciences. Comparative philosophies of career and technical (vocational) and general education and their relation in the comprehensive school program. Stresses the organization of the cooperative program, supervision techniques, functions of the coordinator, selection and placement of students, and the evaluation of training situations and vocational competencies.
     
  • CNA 451 Speech Pathology (3 credits) - Characteristics, causes, and treatment of speech and hearing disorders. Designed for teachers to aid in recognizing speech and language disorders in the classroom.
     
  • EDU 318 Professional Communication (3 credits) - Students will examine the concepts of written and spoken communication as practiced in a healthy, productive school environment with a focus on human interaction. Students will evaluate their communicative ability in parent-teacher conferencing, staff meetings, and interpretations of test results and in day-to-day communication with students, colleagues, and administration. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • EDU 350 The Middle Level Teacher (3 credits) - In this course, students will examine the history and philosophy of middle level education, the concepts of teaming and learning communities, knowledge specific to curriculum and learner-centered instructional design in the core subjects, assessment appropriate for middle level learners, and other organizational and communication models specific to middle level education. Prerequisite: Candidacy in Educator Preparation. Notes: This course should be taken prior to enrollment in EDU 332, 423, 431, 432, and the required sections of EDU 409.
     
  • SOC 245 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits) - Study of the history, place, and role of ethnic and racial groups in American society. The course examines the social construction and consequences of majority-minority group relations to understand the differences and similarities in the adjustment processes of race and ethnic groups in American society.
• Special Education K-12 courses

  Students pursuing the Special Education Generalist K-12 field endorsement will take the following courses in addition to those listed in the core courses above.

  • EDU 216 Children's Literature (3 credits) - A study of children’s literature to include historical development, contemporary topics and trends, genre, author/illustrator study, and integration into the elementary curriculum.
     
  • EDU 332 Development of Language Arts in Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to develop and implement quality instruction in the language arts, with an emphasis on writing, listening, and speaking. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in either EDU 340 Early Reading or EDU 341 Intermediate Reading
     
  • EDU 341 Intermediate Reading (3 credits) - Current methods, materials, and research findings related to the teaching of reading in a balanced program at the intermediate level. Content area reading, vocabulary development, and comprehension will be addressed.Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and EDU 216 Children’s Literature
     
  • EDU 423 Development of Social Studies in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement social studies and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of social studies. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
     
  • EDU 430 Literacy Assessment (3 credits) - The assessment, analysis, and instruction of children’s literacy development to include a field experience. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and successful completion of EDU 340 Early Reading or EDU 341 Intermediate Reading, or graduate standing
     
  • EDU 431 Development of Science in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement science activities and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of science. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and completion of one course in General Studies biology or physical science
     
  • EDU 432 Development of Mathematics in the Elementary and Middle School (3 credits) - To prepare emergent professionals to become confident in their ability to implement mathematics and to create an environment in which students become confident learners and participants of mathematics. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and completion of all coursework except the professional semester and clinical practice
     
  • MAT 215 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3 credits) - Probability and data analysis, geometry, measurement, problem-solving, reasoning and proof.Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 210
     
  • SPD 252 Instructional Methods for Special Education K-6 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to elementary aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to secondary education. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
     
  • SPD 254 Instructional Methods for Special Education 7-12 (3 credits) - This course will focus on differentiated instruction unique to adolescents and young adult aged exceptional learners. An emphasis is placed on the methodology of facilitating the student’s learning in Least Restrictive Environments and transition to post-secondary goals. An introduction to assistive technology and mastery of learning strategies are included. Prerequisites: SPD 160 Intro to Special Education
     
  • SPD 435 Classroom Management through Social Emotional Learning K-6 (3 credits) -Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of elementary learners. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
     
  • SPD 436 Classroom Management Through Social-Emotional Learning 7-12 (3 credits) - Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment, promotion of social competence, awareness of prosocial skills, and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners.Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
     
  • SPD 458 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education K-6 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in an elementary school under the supervision of a cooperating K-6 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. Graded S/NC. Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
     
  • SPD 460 Clinical Practice and Seminar for Special Education 7-12 (6 credits) - This is a semester course of full day learning experiences in a secondary school under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 special educator and a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. Graded S/NC. Prerequisites: Admission to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)

  Plus one of the following:

  • EDU 302 Curriculum, Standards, and Assessment in the Elementary School (3 credits) - A holistic view of curriculum planning, implementation, standards, and assessment in the elementary school. To understand and apply the knowledge and skills needed to benefit elementary student learning and growth, a primary focus in this course will be on the applications of data literacy and the employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments that align curriculum, assessment, and instruction. This emphasis on data literacy will enhance the learner’s ability to understand the rationale for school districts in having a clear vision, mission, and purpose when making curriculum and assessment decisions and how these decisions connect with the overall history, culture, and traditions of a society. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • EDU 318 Professional Communication (3 credits) - Students will examine the concepts of written and spoken communication as practiced in a healthy, productive school environment with a focus on human interaction. Students will evaluate their communicative ability in parent-teacher conferencing, staff meetings, and interpretations of test results and in day-to-day communication with students, colleagues, and administration. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks).
     
  • EDU 340 Early Reading (3 credits) -  Current methods, materials, and research findings related to the teaching of reading up through the primary level. Comprehension, fluency, phonemic awareness, and phonics instruction will be addressed. Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks) and EDU 216 Children's Literature.
     
  • EDU 350 The Middle Level Teacher (3 credits) - In this course, students will examine the history and philosophy of middle level education, the concepts of teaming and learning communities, knowledge specific to curriculum and learner-centered instructional design in the core subjects, assessment appropriate for middle level learners, and other organizational and communication models specific to middle level education. Prerequisite: Candidacy in Educator Preparation. Notes: This course should be taken prior to enrollment in EDU 332, 423, 431, 432, and the required sections of EDU 409.
     
  • SOC 245 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits) - Study of the history, place, and role of ethnic and racial groups in American society. The course examines the social construction and consequences of majority-minority group relations to understand the differences and similarities in the adjustment processes of race and ethnic groups in American society.