Education Preparation

Introduction to Exceptionalities introduces special education by examining the educational challenges of K–12 students with disabilities and learning differences. Students explore key concepts including disability history, legal and ethical foundations, assessment, intervention, and inclusive practices. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with families and school personnel, the roles of teachers and paraeducators, and the use of curriculum accommodations and modifications to support student success. The course provides a foundation for future study in education and prepares students to support diverse learners in inclusive educational settings. This course requires clinical observation. 

Foundations of Education introduces the historical, philosophical, and sociocultural foundations of schooling in the United States while emphasizing four core areas of teacher preparation: creating effective learning environments, understanding student learning, providing instructional support, and demonstrating professional responsibility. Students explore research-based practices that support all learners. This course requires clinical observations.

This course will provide students with an overview of the teaching and learning process. The teaching process is multidimensional. Each component of the process is essential to the success of the learners. Students must develop an understanding of this process and the factors that lead to the success of the K-12 student. Students will be engaged in the material throughout the course as work will be designed for classroom implementation.

This course will provide students with a broad theoretical foundation of positive behavior management strategies that can be used to support diverse children in the K-12 classroom. This course will provide students with an overview of behaviors and needs that can impact teaching and learning, as well as behavior issues related to a variety of disabilities, including trauma. There will be an emphasis on positive strategies for student engagement, observation skills, record keeping, and supporting families.