Special Education (SPED)

This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit catalog.shsu.edu.

SPED 2301. Intro To Special Education. 3 Hours.

Issues and trends in special education are examined. An overview of the characteristics of persons with disabilities is also presented. This course consists of essential issues and theories relating to special education. Special emphasis is placed upon multi-cultural and legal issues in the field of special education.

SPED 3301. Learn and Instruc Child W/Disa. 3 Hours.

This course provides opportunities for students to demonstrate competencies by working with young children with disabilities under the supervision of a qualified teacher. This course provides experiences in designing individual instructional plans, assistive technology, data collection, and instructional adaptations. Field experiences in PK-12 public schools required.
Prerequisite: SPED 2301.

SPED 3302. Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. 3 Hours.

This course provides a study of the defining characteristics, systems of assessment and classification, theories of causality, and interventions for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior or senior classification and SPED 2301.

SPED 3303. Behv Intrven/Fam Involv In Spd. 3 Hours.

This course addresses a variety of instructional techniques that can be utilized to change, maintain, increase, or decrease individual and group behaviors. Proactive behavioral intervention techniques from a variety of theoretical models are examined. Behavioral change strategies emphasize functional assessment principles, positive behavioral supports, and self-management. The basic principles, tools, and techniques of communicating with parents of children with disabilities and implementing parent education programs also are addressed.
Prerequisite: SPED 2301.

SPED 3304. Stdy Lrng/Lrng Disabilities. 3 Hours.

Learning disabilities are examined with a focus on history, definition, causation, teaching methods and inclusive practices. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate selection of assessment and teaching strategies, lesson planning, and use of technology for students with special needs.
Prerequisite: SPED 2301.

SPED 3305. Diagnostic Assmt In Special Ed. 3 Hours.

An overview of formal and informal assessment for special education is provided. This course includes basic concepts of measurement, assessment of academic achievement, screening tools, diagnostic testing, review of individual and group intelligence tests, perceptual skills, sensory acuity and adaptive behavior.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, SPED 2301, SPED 3302, and SPED 3304.

SPED 3306. Behavioral Principles. 3 Hours.

This course examines basic behavioral principles including reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and measurement of behavior. Specific procedures are presented for establishing new behavior, increasing desirable behavior, and decreasing undesirable behavior for individuals with disabilities. Ethical considerations also are addressed.
Prerequisite: SPED 3302.

SPED 3307. Behavrl Assmt,Intventn & Eval. 3 Hours.

This course provides the interventionist with the techniques for designing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral interventions appropriate for individuals with Autism and related disabilities. Ethics of behavioral interventions will also be discussed. Junior or senior classification.
Prerequisite: SPED 3306.

SPED 3308. Behvr Intrventn & Resrch Methd. 3 Hours.

All of the elements of single-subject research design are examined, providing practical information for assessing, designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior analytic techniques and curriculum for educating children with autism and related disorders. Ethics for practicing Behavior Analysts will also be examined.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, SPED 3306 and SPED 3307.

SPED 4088. Special Topics in Special Ed. 3 Hours.

SPED 4089. Independent Study in Special Education. 1-3 Hours.

Designed to permit individual students to study specific areas of interest and need.
Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chair.

SPED 4301. Stdy-Cognitive/Low Incidnc Dis. 3 Hours.

This course includes a study of the characteristics and needs of students with intellectual disabilities. Topics include appropriate curriculum methods and instructional needs for all ages, life span issues, vocational, and transition issues. Twenty (20) hours of field placement required. This course must be taken concurrently with SPED 4302.
Prerequisite: SPED 2301, SPED 3302, SPED 3303 and SPED 3304.

SPED 4302. Collabrtv Partnr Across Lifesp. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to equip the prospective teacher with the collaborative skills needed in inclusive school and community environments. Areas that are emphasized include adaptations for instruction, transition planning, vocational/career education, and assistive technology. Twenty (20) hours of field placement required. This course must be taken concurrently with SPED 4301.
Prerequisite: SPED 2301, SPED 3302, SPED 3303 and SPED 3304.

SPED 4305. Student Teaching In Spec Ed. 3 Hours.

(SH Prior Course ID: SPD 484); The candidate is assigned a student teaching placement in a special education classroom for a period of 7 weeks. This time is divided among classroom assistance, instructional planning, classroom and individual instruction, and conference activities. The candidate will create a Teacher Work Sample during this placement, a project demonstrating master of the components of effective instruction and student learning. Successful completion of the Teacher Work Sample is required for program completion. SPED 4305 must be taken with CIEE 4391 and other courses required during the student teaching semester.
Prerequisite: Senior status and admission to student teaching.