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Department of Special Education and Literacy
Graduate Courses
Special Education and Literacy Graduate Courses
EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child
A basic introduction to exceptionality. A consideration of emotional, neurological, and physically based etiologies as they relate to exceptionality. Specific reference will be given to an overview of disability and impairment and to a system of classification and criteria of classification.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 610 Literacy Teaching and Learning: Birth-Grade 6
A study of strategies and resources in childhood language acquisition and the teaching of literacy for elementary school children. The newest techniques and research findings will be discussed. Students will observe, plan and instruct sample literacy lessons.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 613 Literacy and Children's Literature: Birth-Grade 6
A survey of the literature for the school child with emphasis on the quality and characteristics of reading materials suitable for various groups. The changing characteristics of children's reading interests and the presentation of books through various media will be included. A reading file will be developed for a particular age group.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 615 Practicum I. Literacy Assessment and Intervention: Birth-Grade 6
Lecture: The course will stress diagnostic procedures for reading disabilities; observation and interview procedures; diagnostic instruments; standardized and informal tests; report writing and materials of instruction in these areas. Causative factors contributing to specific reading problems will also be explored and discussed. Clinic: Students will develop case studies with individual clients.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 616 Practicum II. Literacy Intervention: Birth-Grade 6
Applications for course must be filed by October 1 for Spring semester and by February 14 for Summer and Fall.
Lecture: The course will stress corrective procedures, planning and management for children with reading disabilities. Major creative techniques and clinical remedial procedures will be included.
Clinic: Students will work with individual clients for a minimum of 20 hours under clinical supervision.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities: Birth-Grade 6
This course covers theory, research and effective practices for teaching students with significant reading problems. Specifically, graduates will become immersed in the assessment of literacy problems and their use to provide effective instruction. Both formal and informal instruments will be discussed for determining children's strengths and needs. A variety of instructional approaches will be considered for developing reading strategies and skills in children with disabilities.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 619 Literacy and Literature-based Reading Instruction: Birth-Grade 6
Included are the background and description of the various types of literature-based reading programs. This course will be concerned with planning, developing and implementing such instruction. The assessment procedures used by the classroom teacher and the implication of literature-based reading instruction upon the total school program will also be discussed.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 620 Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities
An introduction to instruments and valuation strategies used in assessing children with disabilities and the environmental conditions which contribute to their problems in learning. Practice in administration of test interpretation of results, with suggested remedial and therapeutic interventions, is an important facet of this course.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 640 Literacy in the Content Areas: Birth-Grade 6
This course will review Expository and Narrative Materials in the Content Areas as well as those skills unique to each content field. Readability of texts will be explored and means of adapting instruction to a variety of levels in reading will be discussed. Schema development and direct instruction will be emphasized.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 642 Literacy and Language Arts Instruction: Birth-Grade 6
This course will enable teachers to develop a conceptual framework for the teaching of reading and written communication skills in our schools, focusing on composition, syntax, writing, spelling, and handwriting as interrelated elements of written expression. Instructional practices and materials will be presented, analyzed and evaluated for classroom implementation.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 630 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities
The course will examine the complexity of the issues inherent in the teaching-learning process with particular reference to students with mild disabilities in inclusive settings. The instructional dimensions that create the conditions of failure for students with learning problems will be characterized. A framework and practical strategies for the use of assessment procedures that focus on effective instructional planning and can reverse the cycle of failure for students with mild disabilities will be emphasized. An assessment model that generates information for the design of an instructional program and provides for the continuous monitoring of student progress in academic areas (such as reading, writing and math) and in content areas (such as social studies and science), will be outlined. Effective instructional strategies and elements of teaching practice that support the learning and growth of students with mild disabilities will also be addressed.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 631 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities
This course focuses on methodologies of: (1) assessment; (2) curriculum development; (3) individualized educational planning; and (4) instructional programming for children with severe developmental disabilities aged 6-12. Emphasis will be given to curriculum-based assessment as it relates to instructional planning. Assistive technology to support the learning process will be addressed. Accommodations to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms will also be reviewed. Attention will be directed toward developing skill in task analysis, IEP preparation, and lesson planning. Case presentations will be utilized to highlight team building and interdisciplinary collaboration in educating children with severe disabilities.
Field experiences are required.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 632 Instruction and Classroom Management for Children with Emotional and Behavior Problems
Focus in this course will be on program development which will include prescriptive remediation based on diagnostic assessment. A consideration of instructional techniques and resources will be of central focus. Fundamental skills in classroom management and in dealing with maladaptive behavior in both inclusive and non-inclusive educational settings will also be surveyed.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (Includes Technology and Inclusion)
Inclusion represents one of the most significant challenges facing education in recent years. It requires critical changes in attitudes and practice for both general and special educators. This course will explore the concept of inclusion, discuss it from both a theoretical and practical perspective, and present strategies necessary for it to be successful. Included will be discussions of historical and current perspectives, collaboration among professionals, practical classroom administration, instructional adaptations, etc. One specific mechanism to facilitate inclusion will be the use of assistive and instructional technologies with an emphasis on those that can assist in the integration of students with disabilities.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 635 Behavior Management for Children with Autism & Developmental Disabilities
This course provides an introduction to the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and its application for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Procedures applicable to both individuals and groups will be studied with particular attention to the area of autism. Skill-building techniques and strategies will be covered with attention devoted to data collection for assessment, evaluation and record keeping. Procedures to improve skills and behaviors as well as to reduce maladaptive and/or stereotypic behaviors will be covered. Opportunities to implement ABA procedures will occur in class, as well as outside of class.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 702 Practicum in Special Education
This course is a supervised Clinical Practicum in Special Education.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 624 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education/Culminating Experience
This course, an advanced seminar in current issues facing the field of special education, is designed to provide an opportunity for students to research, discuss, and understand the topics that are impacting our field and their theoretical base.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 712 Supervised Student Teaching and Seminar in Special Education (Autism)
Student Teaching in Special Education will require the student to spend a minimum of 175 hours working with students with disabilities at the childhood level in school settings. Student teaching will occur with ongoing supervision of a school based cooperating teacher (certified in special education) along with supervision by a member of the faculty. A weekly seminar will also be required in which the student teaching experience will be discussed, along with current issues addressing preparation to enter into the profession.
Fall, Spring, 3 Credits
EDS 750 Institute on Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism and Related Disorders Throughout the Lifecycle
This course is designed to introduce the student to an array of psychopathology that children with autism and related disorders present during the developmental period. Special emphasis is placed on building a working competency in differentiating autism from other forms of severe psychopathology, such as childhood schizophrenia, severe language disorders, borderline syndromes of childhood, or severe behavior disorders. In addition, the awareness of co-morbidity of other disorders with autism (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) will be emphasized. The multi-modal and interdisciplinary approaches to treatment of these disorders will be stressed. This course will have didactic sessions, readings, video presentations, and case studies.
Fall, 3 Credits
EDS 703 Practicum III. Overcoming Literacy Difficulties: Birth-Grade 6
Applications for course must be filed by October 15 for Spring semester and by February 14 for Summer and Fall. (Open only to students in Literacy specialization.) Students will have full responsibility for diagnosis, correction and remediation of clients with various types of reading problems. Case studies will be developed and instruction will take place under supervision in the University clinic. A minimum of 30 contact-hours will be required in addition to weekly seminars.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 622 Contemporary Issues and Research in Literacy: Birth-Grade 6 (Culmination Experience)
This course involves the study of critical issues in literacy education. Theory, research and practice will be explored through a vast body of knowledge and field of inquiry related to the perspectives of psychology, sociology, linguistics, and other pertinent areas. Specifically, a wide variety of important topics will be addressed, including balanced reading instruction, phonemic awareness and phonics, multicultural perspectives, literacy learning, basal materials and literature-based resources, traditional and invented spelling practices, process writing, emergent literacy, content literacy, struggling literacy learners, and literacy assessment. Within this context, a diversity of positions and opinions will be considered as students formulate their own views by engaging in activities that encourage critical analysis and independent thinking.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
EDS 625 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education/ Culminating Experience (Autism)
This course, an advanced seminar in current issues facing the field of special education, is designed to provide an opportunity for students to research, discuss and understand the topics that are impacting our field and their theoretical base.
Each Semester, 3 Credits
SPH 681 Communication Development and Language Disorders in Children with Autism
This course provides information on the pathology and communicative characteristics of children with autism or pervasive developmental disabilities. The course will cover the areas of prevalence, identification, diagnostic assessment and intervention, as well as social, emotional and cognitive aspects of communication and language development in individuals who demonstrate a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors that are collectively known as autism.
Each Semester, 3 Credits |
