Special Education

The philosophy of the Special Education program is based on the fundamental belief that all children, regardless of learning and behavioral differences, are entitled to a free, appropriate education and should be provided with meaningful instruction in the least restrictive environment. Our purpose is to prepare outstanding teachers who can meet the challenges of today’s 21st century classrooms.

The Special Education Department supports the preparation of teacher candidates who demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the current trends and issues in the field of special education and understand the learning needs of students with disabilities
• Skill in employing instructional strategies that are effective in teaching students with exceptional needs using assistive technology
• Knowledge of I.E.P. and I.F.S.P. development
• An ability to select, administer, score, and interpret formal and informal assessment tools
• Sensitivity to multicultural issues in the classroom and school community
• The ability to collaborate with general education teachers, families, and educational service providers
• The ability to work effectively with students with exceptional needs, their families, educational service providers and the community in developing viable transition plans