SPED 530 - Practicum

Credit(s): 1
This course is designed to offer a 45-hour practicum in an accredited educational setting under the direction of a teacher with a license in Special Education. Candidates will work with students in grades pre-K through 12 who have an identified disability and are receiving special education services. Candidates take this course during any semester that they are enrolled in the Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction degree program with a concentration in Special Education. This course gives them the opportunity to put the theory learned in their SPED classes into practice in a classroom. Candidates will assist in the assessment of students and the development of (any of the following) IEPs, FSLPs, BIPs and 504 plans, and formulate lesson plans and unit plans that are appropriate for students with disabilities. Candidates may provide academic and behavioral instruction to students with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on tying the varied theoretical perspectives to current best practice in teaching methodology with attention to identification of students with disabilities through various assessments; curriculum development; development of materials; communication with administrators, classroom teachers and parents policies regarding inclusion, and use of community resources.

Prerequisites: current teaching license.
Course Level: Graduate