Division of Teaching and Learning - Special Education (Spc Ed)

http://coe.umsl.edu/teachinglearning/coe_undergrad.html#specialeducation

Undergraduate Studies

Bachelor of Science in Education: Special Education

General education requirements (46 hours required):
Students entering college first time, Fall 2002 should refer to the Introductory section of this bulletin for their General Education Requirements.

English and Communication (9 hours)

  • English 1100(10) Composition
  • Communication 1030(30) or Communication 1040(40)
  • English 3100(210)

Mathematics (3 hours)

  • 1150(50), Structure of Mathematical Systems I

Science (8-9 hours)

  • Biology (Laboratory)
  • Physical Science (Laboratory)

Humanities (8 hours)

Music 3770(177), Introduction to Music for the Elementary School Teacher (Recommended) plus two courses from art, music, philosophy, or literature

Social Science (18 hours)

  • Psych 1003(3), General Psychology
  • History 1001(3), American Civilization, or
  • History 1002(4), American Civilization
  • PolSci 1100(11), Introduction to American Politics
  • Econ 3052(306), Microeconomics for the School Curriculum
  • Sociology 1010(10), Introduction to Sociology, or any Anthropology course
  • Geography 1001(101) or 1002(102)

Related Area Requirements (6 hours)

  • Phy Ed 3430(130), Elements of Health Education
  • Phy Ed 3261(261), Physical Activity of the Exceptional Learner

Program Requirements (24 hours)

Level I: Exploring Education as a Profession
Tch Ed 2210(210), Introduction to Teaching
Tch Ed 2211(211), Introduction to Schools
Tch Ed 2212(212), Introduction to Learners

Level II: Analyzing the Nature and Process of Education
Tch Ed 3310(310), Introduction to Instructional Methods
Tch Ed 3312(312), Psychology of Teaching and Learning
Tch Ed 3313(313), Introduction to Learners with Disabilities and Inclusive Education
Tch Ed 3315(315), Literacy Learning and Instruction
Cns Ed 3220(331), Counseling Individiuals with Special Needs
Spc Ed 4315(315), Speech and Language Problems Exceptional Children
Spc Ed 4342(342), Transitions Issues and Planning
Spc Ed 3345(345), Education Programs for Students with Disabilities

Level III: Synthesizing Theory and Practice in Education
Ele Ed 3330(330), Children's Literature and Reading
Ele Ed 3336(336), Teaching Language Arts and Reading, N-9
Ele Ed 4342(342), Teaching Remedial Mathematics

Must take the following three courses during the same Semester as Elementary Professional Internship (El Ed  289/3289).

Ele Ed 4246(246), Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
Ele Ed 4341(341), Teaching Science in the Elementary School
Ele Ed 4253(253), Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School 
El Ed 3289(289) Elementary Education Professional Internship

Must take the following 6 credit hour course during the same semester as Special Education Professional Internship (Spc Ed 3289/289)

Spc Ed 3349(349) Learning and Social Supports for Students with Disabilities
Spc Ed 3289(289) Special Education Professional Internship
Note: Ele Ed 3289(289) must be taken prior to Spc Ed 3289(289) 

Student Teaching

Ele Ed 3290(290), Student Teaching in Elementary Education

Ele Ed 3291(291), Student Teaching in Special Education
 Note:  Ele Ed 3290(290) and Spc Ed 3291(291) must be taken during the same semester.

Attention education majors: Professional education courses must be completed with a grade point average of 2.5 and no grade lower than a C-.

Total: Minimum of 120 hours

Graduate Studies

Master of Education: Special Education
Graduate students should understand that completion of the M.Ed. program in special education does not assure teaching certification. Students seeking the degree and certification should consult with their advisors.

Following is the recommended curriculum for students enrolled in the mild/moderate disabilities (cross-categorical), learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mental retardation (developmental disabilities) or early childhood-special education options.

I.  Areas of specialization:  Students are required to complete the course requirements in at least one of the following five specialization areas: 

  1. Learning Disabilities (6 hours)
    Spc Ed 6443(443), Introduction to Learning Disabilities
    Spc Ed 6444(444), Education of Learners with Learning Disabilities
  2. Early Childhood Special Education (6 hours)
    Spc Ed 6462(462), Introduction to Early Childhood- Special Education
    Spc Ed 6463(463), Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Early Childhood Special Education
  3. Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (6 hours)
    Spc Ed 6450(450), Introduction to Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Problems of Childhood and Schooling.
    Spc Ed 6452(452), Social, Emotional, and Environmental Supports for Learners with Disabilities (6 hours)
  4. Developmental Disabilities/Mental Retardation (6 hours)
    Spc Ed 6430(430), Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
    Spc Ed 6431(431), Education of Learners with Developmental Disabilities
  5. Cross-Categorical(mild/moderate disabilities) Special Education (9 hours)
    Spc Ed 6430(440), Disability, Schooling and Culture
    Spc Ed 6431(441), Curriculum & Teaching for 
    Spc Ed 6452(452). Social, Emotional, and Environmental Supports for Learners with Disabilities

II. Educational Research and Evaluation Methods (3-6 hours)
      Ed Rem 6707(420), Classroom Measurement and  Evaluation
      Ed Rem 6714(421), Educational and Psychological Measurement
      Ed Rem 6716(422), Psychoeducational Assessment I

III. Psychological foundations and human development (3-6 hours)
       Ed Psy 6111(411), Psychological of Education
       Ed Psy 6215(416), Psychological of Early Childhood Development
       Ed Psy 6620(417), Psychology of the Elementary School Child
       Ed Psy 6225(418), The Psychology of Adolescence

IV. Exit Requirement:  Program exit requirement is met by taking Spc 6416(416), Current Research in the Psychology of Learners with Disabilities.  It is recommended that students take this during the final nine hours of the program.

V. Electives 
      Spc Ed 6410(410), Families and Schools in Inclusive Communities
      Spc Ed 6411(411), Law, Policy and Bureaucracy in Education and Disability Studies

Other electives may be chosen from the courses listed here and from other courses with approval of the advisor and department chairperson

Total hours: minimum 32 credit hours

The employment outlook for special education teachers continues to be favorable, especially in certain positions. In addition to special classroom teaching, graduates of the area have been employed as resource-room teachers, clinical diagnostic personnel, itinerant teachers, educational resource teachers, consultants, educational therapists, and sheltered workshop evaluators, and in various supervisory and administrative positions in agencies and schools.

In combination with counseling, educational psychology, physical education, or other areas, careers can be planned in such occupations as vocational evaluator, counselor for special-needs individuals, and special physical educators.