Early Childhood Special Education (MS)

Summary

The program is for an individual seeking additional knowledge in early childhood special education. Someone enrolled in this program can be seeking an MS only or seeking an MS and a teaching license.

Catalog Year

2019-2020

Degree

Master of Science

Total Credits

34

Locations

Online

Accreditation

CAEP

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Program Requirements

Common Core

Students can choose 27 credits from the list below to count towards the 34 required credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to theories of learning and human development as they relate to regular and diverse learning populations. Students will acquire an understanding of the many factors that affect learning and human development and strategies that can be used to enhance learning for all learning populations.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to describe and demonstrate strategies that teachers can use to differentiate the curriculum to meet the special learning needs of students in an inclusive classroom setting. This course will also examine the latest knowledge related to intelligence, creativity, holistic education, and classroom differentiation.

Prerequisites: none

This course will introduce students to methods and strategies for personal and professional growth and development. Students will engage in reflective inquiry, identify professional dispositions, and describe environment effects on learning and human development.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to provide an introduction to reading and language arts instruction for special needs and other students in an inclusive classroom. As a result of taking this course, students will be able to plan and implement effective literacy lessons and utilize a variety of differentiation strategies.

Prerequisites: none

Legal, historical, and foundational issues in the education of young children with disabilities as well as characteristics, service needs, and models of service for young children with disabilities with emphasis on young children with moderate/severe disabilities.

Prerequisites: none

Applied practical approaches to improve academic and personal social behavior of special needs students in general education and special education settings. Principles of applied behavior analysis including reduction and enhancement procdures will be explored.

Prerequisites: none

Current practices in the identification, placement, and education of exceptional children and youth. Emphasis on patterns of social, cognitive, language, and psychological development of exceptional children. Social, political, and economic advocacy issues.

Prerequisites: none

This course covers strategies used to meet the literacy learning needs of all students within an inclusive classroom. Strategies will focus primarily on the special learning needs of students with EBD, LD and gifted learners.

Prerequisites: none

This course will introduce teacher candidates to different aspects of being a Special Educator, including writing Individualized Education Program plans, working collaboratively, addressing strategies for working with paraprofessionals, including co-teaching and using technology in the classroom to assist student learning.

Prerequisites: none

This is an accompanying course for initial licensure Special Education teacher candidates in the areas of ASD, DCD, EBD, LD, and ECSE.

Prerequisites: none

This course is an accompanying course for all advanced licensure Special Education teacher candidates.

Prerequisites: none

This graduate course is designed to assist educators to develop knowledge of the due process requirements outlined in Minnesota Rule and Statute as well as a working understanding of federal special education law under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Understanding the requirement of due process and federal special education law is critical in today's schools, both for teachers as well as administrators.

Prerequisites: none

Research/Methods Course(s)

Students are required to take either SPED 600 or SPED 603 and earn a minimum of 7 credits from the courses listed in the Research/Methods & Capstone Courses.

Introduction to quantitative, qualitative, and action research methodologies as applied to educational research and evaluation. Development of skills for interpreting and evaluating published studies, for evaluating programs, and for developing original or secondary research plans using one or a combination of the three methodologies.

Prerequisites: none

This course will familiarize teachers with methods used in action research. Action research is a systematic observation of one's own teaching situation, environment, or pedagogical practice with the expectation that a new understanding will result in a plan of action that in turn, will ultimately lead to change.

Prerequisites: none

Interpretation and application research and theoretical articles relatated to education. Students will learn how to use a concise, objective, academic style of writing to create a review of literature fore theses or Capstone projects.

Prerequisites: none

Designed to assist student in preparation of their capstone project as part of their graduation requirements. In this experience, students receive one-on-one contact with their advisor.

Prerequisites: none

Capstone Course

Designed to assist student in preparation of their capstone project as part of their graduation requirements. In this experience, students receive one-on-one contact with their advisor.

Prerequisites: none