University of Maine at Farmington 2018-2019 Catalog

 
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Special Education
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  SED 100 - Introduction to Special Education

This course introduces students to the field of teaching K-12 special education. Focuses on history, philosophical approaches, legal foundations, human development, characteristics of students with disabilities, inclusive practices, and various standards governing the profession. Every semester.



Credit: 4

  SED 106 - Sign Language

A basic course in American Sign Language, including a core vocabulary of signs, sign syntax, manual alphabet, and idioms. Emphasis on both expressive and receptive skills. Every semester.



Credit: 4

  SED 177 - Topics in Special Education

Study of a special interest topic not already covered by regular course offerings in special education. This course will be offered on a variable schedule, depending upon the needs of the students and the interest of faculty. Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  SED 209 - Practicum in Special Education

This practicum is designed to give special education majors experience in working with students receiving special education services in a public school setting. Working in cooperation with a mentor teacher in the school and with a university faculty member, students will accomplish a variety of instructional and professional growth activities. Prerequisite(s): B- or higher in SED 100 and passing scores on Praxis Core or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 210 - Assessment in Special Education

This course provides students with broad basic knowledge of formative and summative assessment practices in special education as they apply to screening, eligibility, progress monitoring, and programming. Hands-on skill development will include curriculum-based measurement as well as administering and interpreting norm-referenced assessments. Prerequisite(s): B- or better in SED100 and pass Praxis Core per State requirements or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 212 - Assistive and Instructional Technology in Special Education

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of assistive and instructional technologies that are typically used in the field of special education.  Students will learn how to identify needs, evaluate options, and monitor the effectiveness of technology across a variety of settings. Prerequisite(s): B- or higher in SED 100 and passing scores on Praxis Core or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 2

  SED 215 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Classroom Management in Special Education

This course provides foundational knowledge for planning, designing, and implementing instructional programming and classroom management practices. Major topics include Individualized Education Program development, evidence-based practices, lesson planning, and classroom management.Requirement for all special education majors. Prerequisite: Passing score on Praxis Core, SED 100, or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 216 - Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework for providing effective academic instruction to all learners, including those with disabilities. This course focuses on the planning, implementation, and assessment of instruction within a UDL framework.  Brain-based research pertaining to UDL will be discussed as it relates to academic instruction and content standards. Classroom-based application of UDL will be emphasized. Prerequisite(s): B- or higher in SED 100 and passing scores on Praxis Core or permission of instructor Every three years.



Credit: 4

  SED 220 - Inclusive Schools and Special Education Services

This course will provide an introduction to inclusive education and special education services at the middle and secondary levels for aspiring general education teachers.  Students will explore changes in service delivery over time and best practices that translate to positive school outcomes for students with disabilities.  Perceptions, legislation, and methods for successfully including students with varying levels of support will be emphasized. This course can only be taken concurrently with EDU 220, EDU 223, and EDU 224. Pre-requisites: EDU100, Passing of Praxis Core (Math, Writing, Reading), Completion of Maine DOE’s Criminal History Records Check, GPA 2.5, Secondary Education Major or Community Health Education Major with School Health Concentration. Every Semester.



Credit: 2

  SED 222 - Understanding Students with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

This course will focus on students that require extensive supports to be successful in school and community settings. Developmental disabilities such as Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities will be covered in depth. Course topics will include historical perspectives on developmental disabilities, instructional planning, and school and community supports. Prerequisite(s):B- or higher in SED 100 and passing scores on Praxis Core or permission of instructor Every three years.



Credit: 4

  SED 244 - Collaboration in Special Education

This course focuses on effective practices for collaboration and team-based approaches for planning and implementing specialized services.  This course prepares students to work effectively with diverse learners and their families in inclusive school and community settings. A strong emphasis will be placed on planning teams (e.g., educators, families, learners, administrators, school psychologists, paraprofessionals), effective communication, and group facilitation to create student-centered programs. Requirement for all special education majors. Prerequisite: B- or higher in SED 100; pass Praxis Core per State requirements, or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 2

  SED 277 - Topics in Special Education

Study of a special interest topic not already covered by regular course offerings in special education. This course will be offered on a variable schedule, depending upon the needs of the students and the interest of faculty. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  SED 301 - Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction in Special Education

Teacher candidates will acquire knowledge regarding current research on the foundations of literacy instruction (reading, writing, and spelling). Course participants learn how to design and implement systematic and explicit instruction in the five essential areas of reading (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). The course focuses on various assessment approaches, intervention strategies, and data management. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 307 - Mathematics Methods in Special Education

This course teaches special education majors how to provide explicit, systematic instruction in the five Big Ideas of mathematics (i.e., mathematical awareness, mathematical conceptualization, mathematical fluency, mathematical language, and mathematical application). Participants will acquire knowledge regarding the current research base on teaching mathematics. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how students are identified as needing interventions addressing mathematical skills (from prereferral through special education services). The course will focus on various assessment approaches, intervention strategies, and data management. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 308 - Individualized Positive Behavior Supports

This course provides education majors with a range of knowledge and skills needed to support students with challenging behavior in educational settings. Course topics include collection and use of data to develop positive behavior supports for students. A major focus is on the use of functional behavior assessment to develop individualized behavior support plans. Crisis prevention and management as well as ethical principles of supporting students with challenging behavior are also discussed. Prerequisites: Candidacy in education and one of the following: SED 215, SED 360, SED 361 OR permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 314 - Content Area Literacy Methods in Special Education

This course teaches education majors how to provide evidenced-based literacy instruction within the discipline-specific areas (e.g., literature, mathematics, science, and social studies). Participants will learn how to design instruction to make disciplinary learning more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all students. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 320 - Transition, Advocacy, and Self-Determination

Students will learn the history and evolution of the field of transition, and develop skills necessary to write student-directed transition plans. Students will also learn how to become advocates for their students as well as develop self-advocacy and self-determination skills in the youth with disabilities with whom they work. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 360 - Teaching Children with Learning and Behavior Problems in the Regular Classroom

This course is appropriate for advanced level elementary education majors. The course is designed to help teachers develop basic skills of individualizing instruction and supporting student behavior. The emphasis is on providing critical teaching and behavior support strategies for teachers who have students with behavior and/or learning difficulties in the general classroom. Prerequisite(s):  Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 361 - Teaching Students with Disabilities and At-Risk Conditions in the Secondary General Classroom

This course is designed for teachers in general education at the middle/secondary levels. The content includes information, skills, and techniques to help the classroom teacher educate the adolescent student with learning support needs. Specific topics include: general information on special education practice and law; the adolescent with special needs; assistive technology; and the role of the secondary teacher in implementing inclusive programs. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 377 - Topics in Special Education

Study of a special interest topic not already covered by regular course offerings in special education. This course will be offered on a variable schedule, depending upon the needs of the students and the interest of faculty. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

  SED 397 - Independent Study in Special Education

Independent study provides an opportunity for a student to initiate, design and carry out a research project or educational activity under supervision of appropriate staff. Varies.



Credit: 1-4

  SED 409 - Advanced Practicum in Special Education

This advanced practicum is designed to give special education majors additional experience beyond SED 209 in working with students receiving special education services in a public school setting. Working in cooperation with a mentor teacher in the school and with a university faculty member, students will accomplish a variety of instructional and professional growth activities. Requirement for all special education majors. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in Special Education or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 450 - Special Education Regulations and Practice

This course provides seniors in special education with specific information about the federal and state laws and regulations governing the education of children with disabilities. Particular emphasis is placed on how special education regulations translate to teacher practices in Maine's public schools. Prerequisites: Candidacy in an education major or permission of instructor. Every year.



Credit: 4

  SED 460 - Student Teaching and Seminar in Special Education

Student teachers participate in a variety of supervised experiences in a school while working with children with mild to moderate disabilities. Working with a special educator, their students, and other school personnel, student teachers expand and refine their knowledge and skills and increase their responsibilities over time. Students participate in a weekly seminar during their student teaching experience. Prerequisite(s): Candidacy in Special Education; complete all required professional education courses with a minimum grade of B- or higher; cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher; pass Praxis II in Special Education; and completion of 80% of all required coursework. Every year.



Credit: 8-16

  SED 477 - Topics in Special Education

Study of a special interest topic not already covered by regular course offerings in special education. This course will be offered on a variable schedule, depending upon the needs of the students and the interest of faculty. Varies.



Credit: 2-4

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