Special Education (SPE)
SPE 2600 - Introduction to Special Education - 3 credits
Spring Semester
In this course students examine the full spectrum of disabilities, including the social-emotional, environmental, cognitive, and educational development of students at risk for developmental delays or mild/moderate disabilities. Throughout the course, students connect major federal and state laws and regulations to classroom structures and instructional/curricular accommodations and modifications.
This course meets the General Education Diversity requirement.
Pre or co-requisite: PSY 1400.
SPE 3105 - Learning Differences Institute - 2 credits
This institute of advanced study is a collaborative effort between Curry College’s Education Department and the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL). It is designed using learning modules focused on several important aspects of special education which will be taught by specialists with expertise in those select areas. Topics include frequently identified learning differences in school-aged children; language based learning disability, nonverbal learning disability, executive function, ADHD, and high functioning autism. Through a metacognitive lens, students will consider various learning strategies and assistive technologies found to facilitate learning and promote success.
Pre-course readings and a field-based project are required.
Prerequisite: SPE 2600 or permission of instructor.
SPE 3198 - Pre-Practicum I: Special Education - 1 credit
Spring Semester
Students accepted into special education licensure will complete an early field experience in the spring semester of third year of study. The early field experience will be 2 full days a week in an approved setting.
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
Prerequisite: ED 3190, ED 3700.
Corequisites: ED 3195.
SPE 3350 - Specialized Instruction for Students with Special Needs - 3 credits
This course focuses on methods for teaching students with moderate disabilities in elementary and middle school settings (PreK-8). The goal of this course is to prepare future educators to use instructional principles and strategies to improve the academic and functional achievement of students with moderate disabilities in multiple subject areas. Central topics include explicit instruction, positive behavioral intervention, technology supports, study and organizational skills, and evidence-based practices in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Prerequisites: SPE 2600 and ED 2411 or 2412.
Pre or co-requisite: ED 3198 or permission of instructor.
SPE 3415 - Assessments for Special Educators - 3 credits
Fall Semester
This course will include assessments typically used in special education settings as well as the specialized instructional programs often indicated for students with special needs.
Prerequisites: ED 3190, senior standing.
Corequisite: SPE 3455 or SPE 3457.
SPE 3416 - Assistive Technology - 1.5 credits
Fall Semester
This course is designed to support students in the Special Education licensure major using Instructional and Assistive Technology tools to support teaching and learning in the classroom to collect and analyze student performance data and use a digital portfolio to document mastery of subject matter content and pedagogical skills as required in the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) process. This course serves to build a repertoire of skills and knowledge in educational technology and assistive technology. It will explore specific disabilities and their impact on major life activities, become familiar with current legislation relating to assistive technology, gain experience with a range of assistive technology devices and products, learn a theoretical framework from which to make assistive technology intervention decisions, and be introduced how to match appropriate assistive technology options with individual students. Universal Design Practices will guide the coursework.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
SPE 3417 Writing IEPs - 1.5 credits
Fall Semester
This 1.5 credit course is intended to increase the ability of special educators to write Individual Education Programs that clearly articulate the performance levels, student needs, goals, objectives, and service delivery. Participants will develop knowledge of the guidelines and laws for Special Education. Participants will have an opportunity to give and get feedback and to implement strategies for developing IEPs that are effective. The IEPs should reflect an understanding of the guidelines and laws for Special Education and should clearly communicate the specific actions, accommodations, and components of service being provided to the student. Participants will have an opportunity to give and get feedback and to learn strategies for making IEPs more useful to their daily work.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
SPE 3451 - Pre-Practicum I: Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) - 1 credit
Spring Semester
Students in the RBT track of the Special Education major complete a two-day per week field experience in the role of a para-professional and behavior assistant in a public school setting.
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
Prerequisite: ED 3150.
Corequisite: SPE 3511.
SPE 3455 - Pre-Practicum II: Special Education - 1 credit
Fall Semester
Students accepted to the special education licensure major complete a supervised field experience in the fall semester of their fourth year of study. The field experience will be 2 full days per week in an approved setting and will take place in conjunction with SPE 3415.
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
Prerequisites: ED 3190, SPE 3198.
Corequisite: SPE 3415.
SPE 3457 - Pre-Practicum II: Registered Behavior Technician - 1 credit
Fall Semester
Students in the RBT track of the Special Education major complete a two-day per week experience in the role of a para-professional and behavior assistant in a public school setting.
Prerequisite: SPE 3511.
Corequisite: SPE 3512.
SPE 3511 - Registered Behavior Technician Training Course I - 2 credits
Spring Semester
This is the first of a two part course teaching the foundational knowledge and skills as outlined in the RBT certification process. The Registered Behavior Technician TM (RBT®) is a nationally recognized paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in areas such as delivering direct behavior-analytic services, aiding in implementing behavior plans and collecting student data.
Prerequisite: Junior Standing in the Special Education Major or instructor signature.
Corequisite: SPE 3451.
SPE 3512 - Registered Behavior Technician Training Course 2 - 2 credits
Fall Semester
This is the second of a two part course teaches the core knowledge and skills as outlined in the RBT certification process. The Registered Behavior Technician TM (RBT®) is a nationally recognized paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in areas such as delivering direct behavior-analytic services, aiding in implementing behavior plans and collecting data.
This course meets the General Education Reading/Writing Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisite: SPE 3511.
Corequisite: SPE 3457.
SPE 4563 - Senior Practicum: Special Education - 9 credits
Spring Semester
Students will complete a five-day-a-week practicum in a setting approved to meet the requirements for licensure as teacher of students with moderate disabilities (Pre-K-8).
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
Prerequisite: SPE 3415.
Corequisite: SPE 4563SM.
SPE 4563 - SM Senior Practicum Seminar - 3 credits
Spring Semester
Taken in conjunction with Senior Practicum, SPE 4563 SM is a weekly seminar focused on reinforcing components of teaching practice and professional development of teacher candidates. Seminar topics and assignments focus on teaching practices outlined in the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP). Topics include, but not limited to child observation and assessment, subject-matter knowledge, curriculum planning, well-structured lessons, adjustment to practice, meeting diverse student needs, high expectations, reflective practice, safe learning environments, family interactions, professional responsibilities and career planning. Practicum students are guided through planning, reflection, discussion and documentation processes related to their observation and daily teaching practices.
Corequisite: SPE 4563.
SPE 4572 - Senior Practicum: Registered Behavior Technician - 9 credits
Students in the RBT track of the Special Education major complete a 300-hour field experience in the role of a supervised RBT. Successful completion of These field hours and the RBT task list will be the final skills assessment required for certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. A written test of knowledge and application will complete the certification process and will be guided by an assigned BCBA instructor.
Prerequisites: SPE 3451, SPE 3457, SPE 3511, and SPE 3512.
Corequisite: SPE 4572 SM.
SPE 4572 SM Senior Practicum Seminar – 0 Credits
This weekly one-hour seminar is taken in conjunction with the Senior Practicum, Weekly Assignments and discussions focus on various aspects of working with students who require behavioral and academic supports in an ABA-designated setting. Topics include ethical codes of conduct, professional roles and responsibilities, collaborating on a service-delivery team, and supporting students in their intellectual, social, emotional, and behavioral growth and development.
Corequisite: SPE 4572 .