SPED: Courses in Special Education
Department of Education: Health, Physical, and Teacher
SPED 300 Introduction to Exceptional Children 3 credit
The purpose of this course is to provide a broad overview of special
education and the characteristics and needs of children and youth
with disabilities. Historical perspectives, legal aspects, the full range
of educational exceptionalities, and teaching strategies are surveyed.
Prerequisite: ED/PSY 229. Each semester.
SPED 301 Characteristics of Learning Disabilities 3 credit
Study of the meaning and concepts associated with the field of learning
disabilities and the varying characteristics of individuals with these dis118
abilities. Topics include the nature, causes, assessment, and treatment
of learning disabilities. Prerequisite: SPED 300. Spring semester.
SPED 302 Characteristics of Mental Retardation 3 credit
Study of the meaning and concepts associated with the field of
mental retardation and the characteristics of individuals with
this disability. Topics include the nature, causes, assessment, and
treatment of mental retardation. Prerequisite: SPED 300. Spring
semester.
SPED 303 Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance/Behavior Disorders 3 credit
Study of the meaning and concepts associated with the field of emotional
disturbance and the characteristics of individuals with this disability.
Topics include the nature, causes, assessment, and treatment of
emotional disturbance. Prerequisite: SPED 300. Fall semester.
SPED 323 Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education 3 credit
The assessment and evaluation of learning and behavior problems of
students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional
disturbance/behavior disorders at the preschool through secondary
levels. Emphases are on students’ use and evaluation of current assessments
in special education and their use in the development of individualized
educational programs. Prerequisites: SPED 300; SPED 301
or SPED 302 or SPED 303; or consent of instructor. Fall semester.
SPED 408 Methods for Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities 3 credit
Students will develop, implement, and evaluate curricula for students
with mild disabilities (learning disabilities, mental retardation, and
emotional disturbance/behavior disorders) at the preschool through
secondary levels. Individualized education program planning, researchbased
teaching strategies and materials appropriate for students with
mild disabilities are emphasized. A 35 hour practicum experience in
a classroom with students with disabilities is required of all students.
Prerequisites: SPED 300: SPED 301 or SPED 302 or SPED 303; or
consent of instructor. Spring semester.
SPED 413 Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders 3 credit
This course will examine the impact of speech disorders, language
disorders, and hearing loss on the educational process of students with
these specific challenges. The course will address the regular and special
educator’s roles in working with these students and in collaborating
with other specialized professionals who work with these students.
Prerequisite: SPED 300. Fall semester.