The role of historical events, politics, media, race, gender, and other issues in shaping how disability is viewed. A critical framework for understanding how disability is viewed in Western culture and the effects of those views on individuals with disabilities.

Carolina Core: GSS

Introduction to autism including definition, characteristics, causes, and evidence-based practices.

Introduction to the principles of behavior and their application to improving educational and behavioral outcomes of students with disabilities.

Introduction to procedures used in school settings for reducing challenging behaviors through conducting a functional behavioral assessment and writing and implementing a behavior intervention plan.

Introduction to concepts and methods of assessment in special education with emphasis on administering, scoring, and analysis of standardized educational tests.

Knowledge and skills critical to special education practitioners in fostering healthy and productive relationships with fellow professionals, students, and families.

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Experience in the observation and teaching of Pk – 12 students with exceptionalities across settings appropriate to special education teaching certification. Admission to Internship I in Special Education required.

Synthesis of the knowledge and skills acquired through course work and field experiences during special education teacher preparation. Admission to Internship II in Special Education required.

Inclusion strategies and accommodation planning for students with mild disabilities in general education classrooms.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy

Application of effective teaching techniques and organization of instructional settings for exceptional learners in special education. Admission to Internship II Special Education required.

Overview of the field of education for exceptional children. Basic course for those entering the field of special education.

Symptomatology, behavioral manifestations, and resources for care and treatment of orthopedic conditions and other types of health problems in children and youth.

An overview of early childhood special education for young children with disabilities and their families.

Children with average/above average intelligence and specific learning impairments; diagnostic and remedial techniques. (Offered by both the College of Education and the Department of Psychology).

Types and characteristics of the gifted and talented.

A study of the skills and knowledge required to implement direct instruction procedures when teaching reading, with opportunity for application of skills. Research and theoretical foundations will also be evaluated.

Research, theory, and instructional practices related to providing reading instruction in content areas for youth with disabilities, with a focus on developing disciplinary literacy in inclusive settings.


Research, theory, and instructional practices related to mathematical readiness and instruction for children and youth at risk for mathematical difficulties.

Data-based instruction for teaching students with significant disabilities: task and developmental analysis, individualizing instruction, and preparing and implementing instructional programs.

Design, development, adaptation, and implementation of curriculum, language and communication instruction for students with significant disabilities.

Theory and application of current evidence-based procedures for teaching children with specific learning disabilities.

Nature and causes of intellectual disabilities, behavior, and potentialities of persons with intellectual disabilities.

An initial course in educational procedures focusing on intervention strategies for serving young children with disabilities in inclusive environments.

Characteristics, etiology, and major theoretical models for children experiencing emotional and/or behavioral problems in school; special education curriculum, programming alternatives, assessment, and issues concerning this population.

The development of a workable approach to classroom management through an examination of a research-based synthesis of current knowledge in classroom and behavior management.

DEC Practices in Early Childhood Special Education, Assessing and Monitoring Children's Challenging Behavior, and Preventive Strategies for Challenging Behavior.

Advanced assessment methods for serving young children with and without developmental delays and their families.

Personal, social, and educational implications of a mild to moderate multi-categorical disability (emotional/behavioral, intellectual, and learning disabilities) throughout the lifespan of an individual.

Theory and application of current evidence-based procedures for teaching children with mild to moderate multi-categorical disabilities.

Basic course for mastery of the literary braille code. Transcription of instructional materials in literary braille.

The psychological, social, and educational implications for persons with visual disabilities; definitions, incidence, characteristics of, and rehabilitative and educational programs for persons with visual disabilities.

Educational implications of philosophy, theory, and research about deafness.

Knowledge and basic skills of finger-spelling and sign forms for communication.

Communication and collaboration skills and strategies for creating and maintaining effective partnerships with a variety of stakeholders involved in educating students with disabilities in PK-12 settings.

Strategies for collaborating and communicating with families and other professionals as members of multidisciplinary teams in Early Intervention and Early childhood Special Education.