Special Education (SPED)

SPED 201. Children’s Literature and Disabilities. 3 hours.

Examination of children’s and young adult literature focused on how disabilities are portrayed and how literature encapsulates societal attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes contributing to access and equity of children with disabilities in schools. Course Information: Same as ED 201. This is a blended course. Creative Arts course.

SPED 410. Exceptional Learners. 3 hours.

Addresses the psychology of, identification of, and methods of instruction for exceptional learners served under all categories recognized by federal law. Course Information: Field work required. 20 hours of field work is required.

SPED 416. Methods of Instruction for Exceptional Learners. 3 hours.

The purpose of this course is to address issues of instruction for individuals with special needs. Topics include effective instructional and accommodative practices and strategies in multiple areas (math, literacy, science, social studies, art). Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program.

SPED 423. Assessment of Monolingual and LEP Children with Disabilities. 3 hours.

To prepare students in use of formal and informal assessments to inform placement, instructional planning, and evaluation of English Language Learners with disabilities. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students seeking LBSII or admission as a doctoral student or consent of the instructor.

SPED 424. Assessment of Students with Special Needs. 3 or 4 hours.

Theoretical basis and practical application of standardized and alternative testing of children with learning and behavior difficulties. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): SPED 410.

SPED 426. Curricular/Behavioral Considerations for Learners with Special Needs. 3 or 4 hours.

Instructional practices related to academics, classroom management, individualized and group instruction for students with special needs. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): SPED 424 or the equivalent or consent of the instructor.

SPED 427. Instructional and Behavioral Methods for English Language Learners with Disabilities. 3 hours.

To prepare students in the use of best practice instruction and the promotion of prosocial behavior within the context of teaching English Language Learners with disabilities. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Open only to Master's degree students; and consent of the instructor and successful completion of SPED 423 or equivalent. Assumes previous instructional planning for students with disabilities and practicum that is part of the certification requirements for the Learning Behavior Specialist I certification; and minimum one year teaching experience or providing direct services to students with disabilities. Recommended background: Illinois State Board of Education certification: Learning Behavior Specialist I; minimum one year teaching experience.

SPED 430. Fieldwork Supervision. 0-6 hours.

Students will implement evidence-based behavioral assessments and interventions in community-based settings that provide ABA services to children, adolescents, or adults with disabilities from underrepresented groups in a field based setting. Course Information: Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability, and Diversity in Urban Society program or consent of the instructor. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Practice and one Clinical Practice.

SPED 431. Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Authentic Settings. 4 hours.

Students will demonstrate competence at implementing behavioral assessments and interventions. Complete a series of performance assessments and will receive individualized feedback until reaching mastery for each assessment and intervention. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability and Diversity in Urban Society program or consent of the instructor.

SPED 432. Foundations and Contemporary Understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis. 4 hours.

Overview of the science of ABA and its philosophical underpinnings; will be exposed to the concepts and principles underlying the science of ABA, and how the science has informed educational practices in schools, clinics, and community-based settings. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Master of Science in ABA, Disability and Diversity in Urban Society program or consent of the instructor. Corequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in SPED 433.

SPED 433. Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis. 4 hours.

Will examine the professional and ethical obligations of practicing behavior analysts. Issues related to common ethical dilemmas, scope of competence, behavior analyst’s responsibilities to clients, and the ABA compliance code, will be discussed. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the Master of Science in ABA, Disability and Diversity in Urban Society program or consent of the instructor.

SPED 442. Language Development and Disorders. 3 or 4 hours.

Theory and research on the acquisition of phonology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics in children with and without disabilities. Models for language assessment and intervention. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): SPED 410.

SPED 444. Assistive Technology for Literacy, Learning and Participation in Pre-K through High School. 3 hours.

Use of communication systems, computers, adapted equipment and strategies to foster participation and inclusion of students in grades preschool through high school. Course Information: Same as DHD 444.

SPED 448. Topics in Special Education. 1-4 hours.

Course or workshop on preannounced topic on the education of handicapped children, adolescents, or adults. Course Information: May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): SPED 410 and consent of the instructor.

SPED 449. Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education: Perspectives, Policies and History. 3 hours.

Perspectives, policies, history, and foundations of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Emphasis on the effects of changing economic, political, legal, social, and views of human development. Course Information: Same as EPSY 449 and EDPS 449.

SPED 461. Political and Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Special Education. 3 hours.

Students will examine issues of access and equity through legislation, litigation, and socio-cultural perspectives and be introduced to major theoretical frameworks that influence special education programs. Course Information: Same as ED 461. Field work required. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

SPED 462. Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities. 3 hours.

To prepare students in the use of standardized and formative assessment to understand student learning, inform decisions regarding placement, instructional planning, and evaluation of students with disabilities.

SPED 463. Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners in School. 3 hours.

Emphasizes the components of designing, implementing, and assessing reading and writing instruction for diverse students at the early childhood/elementary level. Course Information: Field work required. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

SPED 465. Understanding Students with High Incidence Disabilities. 3 hours.

Uses major theoretical frameworks of human development to examine the characteristics and development of students with high incidence disabilities, ages 3-21. Course Information: Same as EPSY 465. Field work required. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

SPED 466. Language Development, Diversity, and Disabilities. 3 hours.

Theory and research on language development in children with disabilities, in the context of typical development. Models for language assessment and intervention. Course Information: Same as EPSY 466.

SPED 467. Understanding Students With Low Incidence Disabilities. 3 hours.

Explores characteristics and development of children and youth with low incidence disabilities, ages 3-21, as well as how schools address their instructional needs. Course Information: Same as EPSY 467.

SPED 471. Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Significant Disabilities. 3 hours.

Provides information on the nature and needs of individuals with severe/profound disabilities and the roles of federal, state, and local education agencies play in providing services to this population. Course Information: Field work required. Prerequisite(s): SPED 461 and SPED 465 and SPED 467. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

SPED 472. Academic and Prosocial Interventions. 3 hours.

Introduces students to the principles and concepts of data-based decision making and individualization with an emphasis on addressing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. Course Information: Same as ED 472. Field work required.

SPED 473. Teaching Math and Science with Adaptations. 3 hours.

Provides prospective teachers with assessment strategies and a range of adaptations, modifications, and interventions in math and science for students with disabilities. Course Information: Same as ED 473. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): SPED 461. Course Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.

SPED 481. Theoretical Foundations and Issues of Bilingual Special Education. 3 hours.

Theoretical, pedagogical foundations of Bilingual Special Education to provide experienced special educators with research-based knowledge and practices to serve English Language Learners with disabilities. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students seeking LBSII or admission as a doctoral student or consent of the instructor.

SPED 482. Collaborating with Families, Community, and Professionals. 3 hours.

Explores the dynamics of professional collaboration with families, addressing characteristics, structures, and processes of collaboration for children and youth with and without disabilities. Course Information: Same as EPSY 482. Previously listed as SPED 582. Field work required. Class Schedule Information: To be properly registered, students must enroll in one Lecture-Discussion and one Practice.