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The new program of the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at VSU consists of a sequential, five year program resulting in a Master’s of Education degree in Interrelated Special Education through the mild track (Mild) of courses. Because interrelated certification spans several disability areas (LD, E/BD, and Mild MR), the Individualized General Curriculum Standards were utilized for this program. Students finishing four years of the program receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Education degree but are not eligible for certification. For this reason, advanced and initial courses are included in this matrix.

Regarding the Individualized General Curriculum Standards/Guidelines listed below, course outlines are included with syllabi only for those courses which have been/are being taught. Junior level courses (3000) are core courses for all tracks. Senior level courses are at the 4000 level. Graduate or advanced courses are 5000 level or above and are included as appropriate because this is a five year program. The primary citation for meeting a standard/guideline is listed first. In some instances a combination of courses meet the requirements of a single standard.

 

 

Individualized General Curriculum Referenced Standards  
1. Foundations  
Knowledge:  
1. Current educational terminology and definitions of individuals with disabilities* including the identification criteria and labeling controversies, using professionally accepted classification systems and current incidence and prevalence figures. SPEC 3010 Objective 1

SPEC 4020 Objectives 6, 7
2. Evolution and major perspectives from medicine, psychology, behavior, and education on the definitions and etiologies of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3010 Objective 2

SPEC 3020 Objective 1, Course Schedule for 8/25
3. Differing perceptions of deviance, including those from mental health, religion, legal-corrections, education, and social welfare. SPEC 3010 Objective 6
4. The historical foundations, philosophies, theories and classic studies including the major contributors, and major legislation that undergird the growth and improvement of knowledge and practice in the field of special education. PSYC 2700 Objectives 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

SPEC 4020 Objective 1

SPEC 5120 Objectives 1, 2
5. The legal system to assist individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4020 Objectives 1, 6

SPEC 3010 Objective 8
6. Continuum of placement and services, including alternative programs available for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Objective 4

SPEC 4020 Objective 2
7. Laws, regulations, and policies related to the provision of specialized health care in the educational setting. No PH Program
Skills:  
1. Articulate the pros and cons of current issues and trends in the education of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5120 Objective 3

SPEC 3010 Objective 6
2. Articulate the factors that influence the overrepresentation of culturally/linguistically diverse students in programs for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4020 Objective 3

SPEC 3010 Objective 1
3. Delineate the principles of normalization versus the educational concept of "least restrictive environment" in designing educational programs for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3040 Objective 1, Course Outline for 10/5 and 10/12

SPEC 4020 Objective 2
2. Characteristics of Learners  
Knowledge:  
1. Physical development, physical disabilities, and health impairments as they relate to the development and behavior of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3010 Objective 1

PSYC 2700 Objectives 3, 4, 5, 6
2. Effects of dysfunctional behavior on learning, and the differences between behavioral and emotional disorders and other disabling conditions. SPEC 4060 Objective 1
3. Various etiologies and medical aspects of conditions affecting individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3010 Objective 2
4. Psychological and social-emotional characteristics of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4020 Objective 4
5. Common etiologies and the impact of sensory disabilities on learning and experience. No DH Program
Skills:  
1. Describe and define general developmental, academic, social, career, and functional characteristics of individuals with disabilities* as they relate to levels of support needed. SPEC 4020 Objectives 4, 5

SPEC 4040 Objective 3

SPEC 4140 Objective 1

SPEC 4160 Objective 7
3. Assessment, Diagnosis, & Evaluation  
Knowledge:  
1. Specialized terminology used in the assessment of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3050 Objectives 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

SPEC 4110 Objective 6

SPEC 4140 Objective 2
2. Legal provisions, regulations, and guidelines regarding unbiased assessment and use of psychometric instruments and instructional assessment measures with individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3050 Objectives 3, 4
3. Specialized policies regarding screening, referral, and placement procedures for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3050 Objective 2

SPEC 3010 Objective 8
Skills:  
1. Implement procedures for assessing and reporting both appropriate and problematic social behaviors of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3070 Objectives 5, 6, 7

SPEC 3050 Objective 16, Activities 3, 5
2. Use exceptionality-specific assessment instruments with individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3050 Objectives 12, 13

SPEC 4040 Objectives 2, 6
3. Adapt and modify ecological inventories, portfolio assessments, functional assessments, and future-based assessments to accommodate the unique abilities and needs of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4140 Objective 2, Activities 2, 3

SPEC 3020 Activity 3, Course Schedule for 11/17, 11/19, and 12/1

SPEC 3050 Objectives 12, 13
4. Develop and use a technology plan based on assistive technology assessment. No PH Program
5. Assess reliable method(s) of response of individuals who lack typical communication and performance abilities. No PH Program
4. Instructional Content & Practice
Knowledge:  
1. Sources of specialized materials for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4040 Objectives 2, 6, 11

SPEC 4110 Objective 2

READ 4530 Objective 3
2. Impact of listening skills on the development of critical thinking, reading comprehension, and oral and written language. SPEC 4180 Objectives 1, 2

SPEC 4110 Course Outline Weeks 3, 4, 7
3. Impact of language development on the academic and social skills of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4180 Objectives 2, 5

SPEC 4110 Course Outline Weeks 1, 3

SPEC 4020 Objectives 3, 4

COMD 3070 Objective 1
4. Impact of disabilities on auditory skills. SPEC 4180 Objectives 1, 3

COMD 3070 Objective 5
5. Relationship between disabilities and reading instruction. SPEC 4110 Course Outline Weeks 3, 4

READ 4530 Objectives 1, 2, 3
6. Impact of social skills on the lives of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Course Outline Week 8

SPEC 3010 Objective 6
7. Varied test-taking strategies. SPEC 3050 Objective 9, Activities 3, 5

SPEC 3010 Objective 10
8. Alternatives for teaching skills and strategies to individuals with learning disabilities who differ in degree and kind of disability. SPEC 4110 Course Outline Week 7

SPEC 4180 Objective 5
9. Approaches to create positive learning environments for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3010 Objective 11

SPEC 3070 Objective 4

SPEC 5020 Objective 2
Skills:  
1. Use effective, research-based instructional strategies and practices to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Objective 5

SPEC 4060 Objective 5, Activity 3

SPEC 5040 Objective 6, Activity 2
2. Facilitate use of prevention and intervention strategies in educational settings. SPEC 5020 Objective 4

SPEC 3070 Objective 4
3. Delineate and apply the goals, intervention strategies, and procedures related to psycho-dynamic, behavioral, biophysical, and ecological approaches to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4060 Objectives 1-5

SPEC 3020 Objectives 1, 3, 5

PSYC 3110 Objective 2, Self-direction Project
4. Plan, organize, and implement educational programs appropriate to the cognitive and affective needs of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5010 Objectives (all)

SPEC 4140 Objectives 1, 2, 3, Activity 4
5. Evaluate, select, develop, and adopt curriculum materials and technology appropriate for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5010 Objective 4

SPEC 4110 Objective 2

SPEC 4040 Objectives 2, 6
6. Integrate academic instruction, affective education, and behavior management for individual learners and groups of learners. SPEC 5010 Objectives 3, 5, 10, 13

SPEC 4140 Activities 2, 3, 4

SPEC 4160 Objective 1
7. Evaluate strengths and limitations of alternative instructional strategies for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Objectives 5, 6, 7

SPEC 3070 Objectives 2, 3
8. Integrate student-initiated learning experiences into ongoing instruction. SPEC 4140 Activity 4

SPEC 3060 Objective 12
9. Use skills to enhance thinking processes. SPEC 4140 Activities 2, 4, 5
10. Use effective instructional strategies to assist individuals with disabilities* to detect and correct errors in oral and written language. SPEC 5010 Objectives 6, 7, 8

SPEC 4140 Activities 2, 4, 5
11. Use appropriate instructional strategies to teach math skills and concepts according to the characteristics of the learner and patterns of error. SPEC 5010 Objectives 6, 7, 8

SPEC 4140 Activities 2, 4, 5
12. Modify pace of instruction and use organization cues. SPEC 5010 Objectives 7, 8, 11
13. Integrate appropriate teaching strategies and instructional approaches to provide effective instruction in academic and nonacademic areas for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Objectives 3, 5

SPEC 3070 Objectives 2, 4
14. Utilize research-supported instructional strategies and practices, including the functional embedded skills approach, community-based instruction, task analysis, multi-sensory, and concrete/manipulative techniques. SPEC 4110 Objective 5

SPEC 3070 Objective 2
15. Design age-appropriate instruction based on the adaptive skills of learners. SPEC 5010 Objective 3
16. Integrate related services into the instructional settings of learners. SPEC 4140 Activity 6

SPEC 5140 Course Schedule for 12/1 and 12/8
17. Provide community referenced instruction. SPEC 5010 Objective 10

SPEC 3060 Objectives 14, 17, 18, Activity 3d
18. Assist students in the use of alternative and augmentative communication systems. SPEC 4180 Objectives 5, 6
19. Support the use of media, materials, alternative communication styles and resources required for learners whose disabilities interfere with communications. SPEC 4180 Objectives 5, 6
20. Interpret sensory, mobility, reflex, and perceptual information to create appropriate learning plans. No PH Program
21. Use appropriate adaptations and technology for all individuals with disabilities*. No PH Program
22. Adapt lessons that minimize the physical exertion of individuals with specialized health care needs. No PH Program
23. Design and implement an instructional program that addresses instruction in independent living skills, vocational skills, and career education for students with physical and health disabilities emphasizing positive self-concepts and realistic goals. No PH Program
24. Design and implement curriculum and instructional strategies for medical self-management procedures for students with specialized health care needs. No PH Program
25. Participate in the selection and implementation of augmentative or alternative communication devices and systems for use with students with physical and health disabilities. No PH Program
26. Use strategies for facilitating the maintenance and generalization of skills across learning environments. No VI Program
5. Planning and Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment  
Knowledge:  
1. Model career, vocational, and transition programs for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4160 Objectives 3, 6
2. Issues, resources, and techniques used to integrate students with disabilities into and out of special centers, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment centers. SPEC 5120 Course Schedule for September 28
3. Appropriate use of assistive devices to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4040 Objective 2
4. Common environmental and personal barriers that hinder accessibility and acceptance of individuals with disabilities*. No PH Program
Skills:  
1. Monitor intra-group behavior changes across subjects and activities. SPEC 3020 Objectives 2, 5
2. Structure the educational environment to provide optimal learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5010 Objectives 5, 10, 11, 12, 17

SPEC 4140 Activities 4, 5

SPEC 3070 Objectives 4, 8
3. Teach individuals with disabilities* in a variety of educational settings. SPEC 5010 Objective 10
4. Design learning environments for individuals with disabilities* that provide feedback from peers and adults. SPEC 4140 Objectives 3, 4, Activities 2, 6
5. Design learning environments that are multi-sensory and that facilitate active participation, self-advocacy, and independence of individuals with disabilities* in a variety of group and individual learning activities. No VI Program
6. Use local, community, state, and provincial resources to assist in programming with individuals who are likely to make progress in the general curriculum. No PH Program
7. Coordinate activities of related services personnel to maximize direct instruction time for individuals with disabilities*. No PH Program
6. Managing Student Behavior and Social Interaction Skills  
Knowledge:  
1. Rationale for selecting specific management techniques for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4060 Objectives 1, 2

SPEC 3020 Objective 5
2. Theories behind reinforcement techniques and their application to teaching individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4060 Objective 5

SPEC 3020 Objective 1
3. Theories of behavior problems in individuals with disabilities*, including self-stimulation and self-abuse. SPEC 4060 Objective 1

SPEC 3020 Course Schedule for 8/25
4. Communication and social interaction alternatives for individuals who are nonspeaking. No PH Program
Skills:  
1. Use a variety of nonaversive techniques for the purpose of controlling targeted behavior and maintaining attention of individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5010 Objective 13

SPEC 4060 Objective 5, Activities 2, 3

SPEC 3020 Objectives 4, 5
2. Develop and implement a systematic behavior management plan using observation, recording, charting, establishment of timelines, hierarchies of interventions, and schedules of reinforcement. SPEC 4060 Objectives 3, 4, 5, Activity 3

SPEC 4140 Activity 4

SPEC 3020 Objectives 3, 4, 5
3. Select target behaviors to be changed and identify the critical variables affecting the target behavior. SPEC 4060 Objectives 2, 3

SPEC 3020 Objective 2
4. Define and use skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution. SPEC 5140 Objective 6, Course Schedule for 9/8 and 9/15

SPEC 3030 Objectives 4, 8, Activity 1
5. Design, implement, and evaluate instructional programs that enhance an individual's social participation in family, school, and community activities. SPEC 4160 Objectives 1, 2

SPEC 5010 Objectives 10, 15, 17
6. Establish a consistent classroom routine for individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5010 Objectives 11, 12
7. Delineate and apply appropriate management procedures when presented with spontaneous management problems. SPEC 5010 Objective 13
8. Facilitate development and implementation of rules and appropriate consequences in the educational environment. SPEC 4060 Objective 5

SPEC 3070 Objectives 2, 4, 8
7. Communication and Collaborative Partnerships  
Knowledge:  
1. Sources of unique services, networks, and organizations for individuals with disabilities*, including career, vocational, and transition support. SPEC 3060 Objective 4

VOED 3650 Objective 6
2. Parent education programs and behavior management guides, including those commercially available that address the management of severe behavioral problems and facilitate communication links applicable to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 3030 Objectives 9, 10, Course Agenda for 10/21, 12/2, and 12/9
3. Collaborative and consultative roles of special education teachers in the integration of individuals with disabilities* into the general curriculum and classroom. SPEC 4160 Objective 9

SPEC 5140 Objective 3
4. Types and importance of information generally available from family, school officials, legal system, community service agencies. SPEC 5140 Activity 1, Course Schedule for 11/17 and 12/1
5. Roles and responsibilities of school-based medical and related services personnel, professional groups, and community organizations in identifying, assessing, and providing services to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5140 Objective 3

SPEC 3010 Objective 15
Skills:  
1. Use specific behavioral management and counseling techniques in managing students and providing training for their parents. SPEC 4060 Objective 6, Activities 3, 4
2. Assist students, in collaboration with parents and other professionals, in planning for transition to post-school settings with maximum opportunities for decision making and full participation in the community. SPEC 4160 Objectives 2, 7

SPEC 3060 Objectives 9, 12
8. Professionalism and Ethical Practices
Knowledge:  
1. Consumer and professional organizations, publications, and journals relevant to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5020 Objective 12

SPEC 4110 Activity 4

SPEC 5120 Objectives 1, 2
2. Rights to privacy, confidentiality, and respect for differences among all persons interacting with individuals with disabilities*. No PH Program
3. Types and transmission routes of infectious disease. No PH Program
4. Maintain confidentiality of medical and academic records and respect for privacy of individuals with disabilities*. No PH Program
Skills:  
1. Participate in the activities of professional organizations relevant to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 5020 Objective 12

SPEC 3040 In lieu of Required Textbook
Articulate the teacher's ethical responsibility to nonidentified individuals who function similarly to individuals with disabilities*. SPEC 4110 Objective 10

LEAD 7210 Course Schedule Weeks 1, 2, 3

* Implied to all of the knowledge and skills standards in this section is the focus on individuals with disabilities whose education focuses on an individualized general curriculum.