Developing Effective Individualized Education Programs 

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of skills and practices needed to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a focus on utilizing evidence-based practices based on individual student strengths and needs, integrating appropriate assistive technology, and implementing effective progressive monitoring techniques. Emphasis is placed on fostering parent involvement, collaborating with all team members, and working with other professionals and paraprofessionals to provide targeted and supportive services. Candidates also study the implications of the legal, judicial, medical, and educational systems in serving students with disabilities and responding to diverse needs. Key components include initial planning and evaluation, communication and data analysis, designing present levels of academic achievement and functional performance and goals, education services and transitions plans, and finally designing an IEP. Throughout this project, candidates engage in reflection, honing their professional practice and ethical perspectives within the context of special education. By the end of the course, candidates have studied the knowledge and skills needed to collaboratively develop effective IEPs that address the unique needs of each student, promote inclusive practices, and facilitate successful transitions. Pre-requisites Note: This course has a Key Assessment. The Key Assessment directions and rubric can be found in Meditrek. Teacher candidates complete the Key Assessment in Week 5 and submit it to Meditrek for scoring. EDUC 3082 - Collaboration and Professional Development in Special Education (5 credits) (5 credits) This course is designed to equip special education teacher candidates with essential skills and knowledge for collaborating with families, professionals, and community members with the goal of working together to foster students' healthy development and learning. As part of a focus on professionalism, candidates study and practice interviewing, developing resumés, and networking skills. After self-assessing, analyzing, and reflecting on professional and teaching skills, the course concludes with creating a comprehensive professional development plan. This plan includes individualized shortand long-term goals in the field of special education and incorporates skill enhancement, active learning, collaborating with colleagues, agencies, and service providers, self-care, and advocating for students with exceptionalities. By the end of the course, students will have delved into the critical role effective collaboration, meaningful family and community engagement, enhanced communication skills, and individualized roadmaps for professional development play in their success in and contribution to the field of special education. Pre-requisites EDUC 3084 - Instructional Strategies for Learners with Exceptionalities* (5 credits) (5 credits) This course prepares future special educators to analyze instruction to enhance academic, social, and functional skills for students with exceptionalities. Candidates will evaluate high-leverage practices and evidence-based strategies to support all learners, analyze classroom observations, and engage in collaborative lesson planning with their host teacher. By aligning lessons with individualized education program (IEP) objectives and state standards as well as implementing individualized accommodations and interventions, candidates will promote student success. Candidates will use progress monitoring tools to inform instructional decisions. Fieldwork experiences are designed to build a deeper understanding of effective special education practices as candidates design, implement, and reflect on their own lesson plans and interactions with students. The course also addresses effective communication with families and professionals, fostering inclusive practices, and planning for ongoing professional growth as a special educator. Integral to this course is a 25-hour fieldwork experience component in which teacher candidates have the opportunity to observe and participate in real-world settings under the guidance of a host teacher. Through these hands-on experiences, teacher candidates have multiple opportunities to gain valuable insights into implementing special education instructional strategies, fostering meaningful student learning, and addressing the strengths and needs of all learners. Pre-requisites Note: This course has a Key Assessment. The Key Assessment directions and rubric can be found in Meditrek. Teacher candidates will complete the Key Assessment in Week 3 and submit it to Meditrek for scoring.

Code

EDUC 3081

Credits

5

Subject

Education