Graduate Education | Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) Endorsement

The Special Education minor at Saint Xavier University incorporates high-impact practices designed to enrich student learning and professional preparation. Central to the program are field experience opportunities embedded within the coursework, allowing students to engage directly with diverse learners and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Collaborative projects, case studies, and problem-based learning scenarios challenge students to develop critical thinking and teamwork skills essential for addressing the complex needs of individuals with disabilities. The sequential coursework ensures a scaffolded learning experience, enabling students to build expertise progressively while maintaining a strong connection between academic content and practical application.

Upon completing the Special Education minor at Saint Xavier University, students will be with the foundational principles of special education, including legal mandates, policies, and evidence-based instructional strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in diverse settings. They will develop and implement effective teaching practices, collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive environments, and utilize assessment tools to inform data-driven decisions and individual education plans (IEPs). Additionally, students will meet the requirements for the Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I (#155) endorsement, preparing them to teach students with disabilities from Kindergarten to age 21 and positioning them for impactful careers in education and related fields