UMF Catalog On-Line

This NCATE-accredited program is one of the oldest undergraduate programs in the country. It combines professional education curriculum in special education with a background in the arts and sciences to give students content area and critical thinking skills upon which they can draw in their teaching practice. It is an intensive, hands-on program that prepares students to work with children in grades seven through twelve with diverse learning needs in the appropriate least restrictive environment. Students begin their first year with a range of observations, continue with inclusive and special education program placements over the next two years, and culminate with a one-semester special education student teaching experience in their senior year. Students graduating from the program will be eligible for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities, 7-12 certificate and are prepared for graduate study in education.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

SED 125 Educating Exceptional Learners 2
EDU 101 Introduction to Middle/Secondary

        Education                                    2
       (SED 125/EDU 101 taken in same semester)
SED 110 Survey of Special Education                  2
SED 111 Transitions in Special Education             2
SED 201 Curriculum and Instructional Programming for
        Exceptional Children                         4

SED 306 Assessment in Special Education              4
SED 319 Educating Secondary Students with School-
        Related Disabilities                        12
SED 401 Capstone Seminar in Special Education        4
SED 404 Collaboration Among Diverse Families,

Learners With Special Needs,

and Professionals 4
SED 460 Student Teaching and Seminar in

Special Education 16
Special Education Elective at the

300- or 400-level 4
Two courses in EDU or a related area, e.g.,

Psychology, Rehabilitation, Sociology 8

MAT 103M Mathematical Content for

Elementary School Teachers I 4

Total credits for the Major: 68

Concentration Requirements 24

A specific concentration is optional, but no longer required. In consultation with advisors, students will choose 24 credits of arts and sciences courses in addition to the general education requirements. These courses will include at least eight credits at or above the 200 level, and an additional eight credits at or above the 300 level.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE 128

Professional Standing
To be eligible for Professional Standing, students must meet the following criteria:
1) complete a minimum of 38 credits;
2) pass the PRAXIS I at the level required by the State
3) pass ENG 100 with a grade of C-or higher;

4) successfully complete a practicum or field experience;
and
5) earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Student Teaching
Prior to beginning student teaching, students must meet the following criteria:
1) admission to Professional Standing in Education
2) an accumulative GPA or 2.5 or higher;
3) completion of 80% of all required course work;
4) completion of all professional requirements in Special Education;
5) grades of C- or higher in all required professional courses completed;
6) pass the PRAXIS II, Special Education #0353, at the level required by the State.

Graduation
Students must have an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate and must have achieved a grade of C- or higher in all professional courses.

Minor Requirements

Although there is no official Special Education minor, students from related fields are welcome in all Special Education courses.