Special Education Sequence

Overview

This is a five course sequence of core special education courses (24 credits total) designed to enable students to make significant progress towards earning the Special Education endorsement – enough to develop a strong core of special education competencies and become eligible for the 24 credit pre-endorsement waiver. To earn the full endorsement students need to provide evidence that they have met all the state special education endorsement competencies (PDF), pass the special education endorsement test (WEST-E 070), and, in most cases, complete additional coursework/practicum work in special education.

The requirements for this endorsement are strict because of the state's need to comply with the "Highly Qualified Teachers" component of the No Child Left Behind Act. Please look at the NEA's Chart for Highly Qualified Teachers and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's efforts to comply.

Core

• Introduction to Special Education (6 credits, Summer)
• Special Education Assessment (4 credits, Fall)
• Behavior and Classroom Management in Special Education (4 credits, Winter)
• Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Exceptional Learners (6 credits, Spring)
• Professional Seminar in Special Education (4 credits, Summer)

 Elective

• • Practicum in Special Education (variable credits, ILC/independent learning contracts, Fall, Winter, Spring)

Information About the WEST-E Test for Special Education

Test # 070: Special Education

Other Information for Prospective Students

The Introduction to Special Education course is open to anyone.

Students interested in this SPED sequence must meet with Evergreen’s Certification Officer, Maggie Foran, to determine if they have prior coursework applicable to the endorsement. The Certification Officer may also ask for additional evidence from current and prior SPED experiences as evidence of completion of some of the skill competencies. The Certification Officer may waive all or part of Evergreen’s Introduction to SPED course if a similar course has already been completed. The Certification Officer provides signature approval on registration forms to take any courses beyond the Introduction course.  Students must also discuss possible field placement site preferences with the Field Placement Officer, Loren Petty, and agree to the placements obtained for the Assessment, Behavior Management and Curriculum courses.

Course Details

Introduction to Special Education

This program provides an overview of the history of special education, legislation affecting special needs students and their teachers, general considerations and teaching strategies for working with students with disabilities, characteristics of disabilities, and responsibilities of educators. The class is intended for pre-service teachers, practicing teachers who wish to earn an endorsement in special education, and any individuals interested in learning more about people with disabilities, their needs, and their rights.

Special Education Assessment

This course will cover the central competencies in the area of special education assessment. It will provide a basic knowledge of the purposes, implementation and interpretation of formal and informal assessments. Participants will gain an understanding of how to administer, score, interpret and report on formal and informal assessments and analyze the accessibility and appropriateness of assessments for students with disabilities. They will then use this knowledge to determine the effectiveness of an Individual Education Plan, as well as to make modifications and accommodations to the general curriculum. Students will be required to complete 36 hours of practicum.

Behavior and Classroom Management in Special Education

This course will cover behavior and classroom management techniques with special education students. Participants will explore the types of diversity in the classroom and learn how to work effectively with diverse learners. They will discuss various classroom management models and identify best practices for effective teaching and learning in individual, small group and large group settings. Assignments will include designing a learning environment that encourages participation and facilitates behavior management. Participants will also look at federal, state and local guidelines and laws regarding behavior management and discipline in the schools. They will learn to recognize students who are at-risk for violent behaviors and research behavioral techniques for decreasing undesirable behaviors and increasing positive behaviors. Social skills, self advocacy and self management for behavior disordered students will be covered. Students will be required to complete 36 hours of practicum.

Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Exceptional Learners

This course will cover the advantages and limitations of instructional strategies and practices for teaching individuals with disabilities. Students will learn about modifications and accommodations to integrate exceptional learners into the general education curriculum, and how to design special curricula based on IEP assessment results, and the state’s learning goals, EALRs and benchmarks. A practicum of 36 hours is required.

Professional Seminar in Special Education

This course is the concluding experience for the 24 credit special education core sequence; topics include current special education research with an emphasis on best practices. Additional topics include: effective skills in communicating and collaborating with parents, paraeducators and professionals; early childhood special education trends and curriculum; planning the transition of special education students between the school setting and into a post-secondary environment; and use of technology in special education.

For further information on this sequence contact Maggie Foran at 360-867-6559.