Prerequisite/Corequisite Key
| P = Course must be taken previously | C = Course must be taken concurrently | E = Course can be taken previously or concurrently |
| (RQ) = Required | (RM) = Recommended |
EDGSP 403
Introduction to the Special Education edTPA
1 to 1 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520 EDGSP-521 EDGSP-522 EDGSP-523 EDGSP-524
Candidates will complete practice exercises for Task 1, Planning for Instruction; Task 2, Instructing and Engaging the Focus Learner; and Task 3, Assessing Learning. Practice activities will include responding to prompts that use key edTPA vocabulary and reflecting on edTPA requirements and rubrics. *This course will be delivered online via CANVAS. Offered spring.
EDGSP 413
Survey of Students with Exceptionalities
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
This course explores the characteristics and learning needs as well as effective methods for teaching, assessing, and accommodating students with disabilities and other learning differences. The responsibilities of teachers and related service providers under federal legislation are emphasized. Learners with disabilities include learners with intellectual, sensory, health, and physical disabilities; learning and emotional disabilities; and communication and behavioral disabilities. Learners with learning differences include those who are English Language Learners or dialectical English speakers, those who are gifted, and those with specific risk factors. This course meets the requirement for Illinois House Bill 150. 5 clinical hours. Offered fall, spring, summer.
EDGSP 418
Methods of Teaching Reading at the Elementary School
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
This course provides an investigation of theory, research and practice related to the teaching of reading, language arts and children's literature. It includes the study of language development; principles, methods and materials of literacy instruction including basal reader, constructivist, literature-based learning; selection and use of children's literature. Offered summer.
EDGSP 421
Methods of Teaching Mathematics at the Elementary School
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
The course focuses on the analysis of children's construction of mathematical knowledge and on mathematics as a meaningful activity. The use of word problems and manipulatives to aid in the understanding of operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents is stressed. Methods of teaching proportions, ratios, measurement, geometry and statistics are included. Offered summer.
EDGSP 445
Seminar in Teaching and Learning
2 to 2 credit hours
E:
EDGSP-530
P:
EDGSP-520, EDGSP-521, EDGSP-522, EDGSP-523, and EDGSP-524
This course for student teachers includes a structured teaching performance assessment in the directed teaching site: an analysis of the contextual factors of the special education students' learning environment; alignment of teaching with the state learning standards; an appropriate assessment plan linked to learning goals; instruction designed for engaged, successful learning for all students' accommodations and modifications to address learning needs; analysis and evaluation of students' learning; and oral and written reflection on all components of the teaching process. Offered fall.
EDGSP 520
Characteristics of Students with Disabilities
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
This course provides a study of cognitive, motor, behavioral and physical development, as well as etiologies and medical conditions related to a wide range of disabilities. Experiences with students with disabilities regarding their characteristics, learning needs, family needs, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, community integration, and vocational options are provided. 15 clinical hours. Offered fall and summer.
EDGSP 521
Foundations of Special Education
3 to 3 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520
This course provides a study of philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education. Candidates investigate the progression of service delivery models from segregation to inclusive settings and the self-determination of persons with disabilities across the life span. 5 clinical hours. Offered fall.
EDGSP 522
Adaptations and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
3 to 3 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520
This course provides investigation and development of adaptations for instruction, communication and assessment for students with disabilities, and interaction with their families, paraprofessionals, colleagues, community members, and other service agencies. Candidates develop accommodations of multiple curriculum areas across the age range from preschool to 22. 15 clinical hours. Offered spring.
EDGSP 523
Language Disorders and Instruction in Diverse Classrooms
3 to 3 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520
This course provides a study of typical and atypical language development, including cultural influences, second-language acquisition, and the effects of sensory impairment. Included is the exploration of research-based language-intervention strategies and devices/systems across age and skill levels. 10 clinical hours. Offered spring.
EDGSP 524
Diagnostic Assessment for Educational Decision-Making
3 to 3 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520
This course includes intensive theoretical and practical study of the instruments and processes used for nondiscriminatory evaluation of students with disabilities in the areas of academic, social and vocational function. Analysis of test construction, considerations of legal and ethical issues in the administration of specified tests and the interpretation of various scores, and Illinois Alternative Assessment are also discussed in this course. 20 clinical hours. Offered fall and summer.
EDGSP 525
Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities
6 to 6 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520, EDGSP-524
This course provides an examination and implementation of research-based effective strategies and materials for teaching students with disabilities in the areas of academic, social and vocational function. Emphasis is on transfer and generalization in inclusive settings, including physical and academic prompts and adaptations. Focus is also on IEP development, responsive to Illinois learning standards and aligned with assessments, and inclusive of progress monitoring. 25 clinical hours. Offered spring and summer.
EDGSP 526
Practicum: Students with Disabilities
3 to 3 credit hours
P: EDGSP-520, EDGSP-521, EDGSP-522, EDGSP-523, EDGSP-524, and EDGSP-525
This course includes observation of, participation with, and teaching of students with disabilities. Other activities include fulfilling responsibilities of practicing special educators, such as planning for instruction; using IEPs; implementing adaptations and accommodations of instruction aligned to Illinois learning standards and general education curriculum in academic, social and vocational areas; assessing student progress employing alternative assessment as appropriate; employing community resources and technology; and collaborating with parents and other professionals. Offered summer.
EDGSP 530
Student Teaching: Students with Disabilities
6 to 6 credit hours
C:
EDGSP-445
P:
EDGSP-520 EDGSP-521 EDGSP-522 EDGSP-523 EDGSP-524 EDGSP-525
This course includes observation of, participation with, and teaching of students with disabilities. Other activities include fulfilling responsibilities of practicing special educators, such as planning for instruction; developing IEPs; implementing accommodations and modifications of instruction aligned to Illinois learning standards and general education curriculum in academic, social and vocational areas; assessing student progress employing alternative assessment as appropriate; employing community resources and technology; and collaborating with parents and other professionals. Offered fall.
EDGSP 531
Advanced Behavioral Discourse
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
This course explores designing learning environments that support all students by interpreting behavior as communication. Participants analyze challenging behaviors, evaluate evidence-based strategies, and create strengths-based, inclusive plans to promote success and emotional safety. 10 field hours. (Previous Title: Behavior Management). Offered summer.
EDGSP 532
Individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans
3 to 3 credit hours
E:
This course includes investigation of relevant legal and ethical issues regarding discipline of students with disabilities. Collaborative models of design and implementation and evaluation of positive-behavior support plans based on functional analysis of behavior is explored. 10 clinical hours. Offered summer.