2360 Survey of Exceptionality. (3-0) Course provides for the examination of types, characteristics, and causes of various exceptionalities; identifies federal laws as they relate to various populations; and serves as an introduction to the education of exceptional students in the home, school, and community.

3338 Educating Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. (3-0) This course addresses topics associated with teaching students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Content includes an overview of definitions and characteristics, etiological factors, assessment for diagnosis and intervention planning, treatment options, including methods and materials for effective instruction, collaborative interagency services, and current issues. Prerequisites or Co-requisites: SPED 2360, 3390.

3390 Assessing Students with Disabilities. (3-0) The course provides information about formal and informal assessment for the identification of cognitive aptitude, academic achievement, social, emotional, and motor development, as well as the implications of these results for instruction or remediation.

4310 Selected Topics in Special Education. (3-0) In-depth study of selected topics of current interest in special education. Work done on an independent study basis with faculty member and available only with permission of department. Prerequisite: 2.5 Texas State GPA.

4344 Educating Students with Mild Disabilities. (3-0) Course provides information about modifications for students with mild disabilities. Characteristics of special education categories discussed with primary emphasis on learning disabilities. Role of classroom management and classroom teacher’s role with students with mild disabilities addressed. Methods for individualizing instruction under a variety of classroom conditions presented.

4345 Teaching Language Arts to Students with Disabilities. (3-0) Course provides effective, research-based instruction for struggling readers, including basic literacy and adaptations to facilitate students’ access to the general education curriculum. Basic literacy content will be presented, including information about phonological awareness, word study and spelling, fluency, comprehension, and writing across content areas.

4374 Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Students with Disabilities. (3-0) Effective strategies for classroom management. Topics include: common management problems, evaluation of classroom management approaches, strategies for preventing behavior problems, teaching new behaviors, increasing desired group and individual behaviors, and positive strategies for reducing inappropriate group and individual behaviors. Prerequisites or Co-requisites: SPED 2360, 3390, 4344.

4381 Educating Students with Mental Retardation and Other Severe Disabilities. (3-0) This course provides an overview of student characteristics and appropriate instructional techniques pertaining to individuals with mental retardation and other severe disabilities. Techniques will include specialized assessment and instructional strategies, functional curriculum development, transition planning, positive behavior supports, medical management, physical management, and assistive technologies. Prerequisites: SPED 2360, 3390.

4389 Special Education Practicum. (0-20) This course provides opportunities for students to design and apply assessment, planning, and instructional strategies. Students may be required to instruct in one or more content areas including academic, life, social, prevocational or vocational and/or communication skills. Prerequisites: SPED 2360, 3390, and three of the following: SPED 3388, 4344, 4345, or 4381.

5311 Teaching Language Arts to Students with Disabilities. (3-0) Course provides effective, research-based instruction for struggling readers, including basic literacy and adaptations to facilitate students’ access to the general education curriculum. Basic literacy content will be presented, including information about phonological awareness, word study and spelling, fluency, comprehension, and strategies for older, struggling readers.

5313 Education Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders. (3-0) Specific strategies and issues associated with effective instruction of students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Content includes an overview of definitions and characteristics, etiological factors, assessment for diagnosis and intervention planning, treatment options, including methods and materials for effective instruction, collaborative interagency services, and current issues.

Prerequisites: SPED 5360, 5334, 5375, 5311, or instructor permission.

5314 Management of Autistic Behavior. (3-0) Examination of etiological theories, characteristics, specialized assessment methods, and specific instructional strategies pertaining to the management of autistic children/youth.

5326 Educating Students with Mild Disabilities. (3-0) Course provides information about modifications for students with mild disabilities. Characteristics of special education categories discussed with primary emphasis on learning disabilities. Role of classroom management and classroom teacher’s role with students with mild disabilities addressed. Methods for individualizing instruction under a variety of classroom conditions presented.

5327 Educating Students with Mental Retardation and Other Severe Disabilities. (3-0) This course provides an overview of student characteristics and appropriate instructional techniques pertaining to individuals with mental retardation and other severe disabilities. Techniques will include specialized assessment and instructional strategies, functional curriculum development, transition planning, positive behavior supports, medical management, physical management, and assistive technologies.

Prerequisite: SPED 5360.

5329 Language Intervention for Children and Youth with Autism. Course provides study of classroom-based language assessment and intervention for students with autism and other developmental disorders. Topics include Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior, behaviorally based language and social-communicative assessment and intervention, functional communication training, natural environment training, and augmentative/alternative communication systems.

Prerequisite: SPED 5327 or concurrent enrollment.

5334 Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities. (3-0) The course provides information about formal and informal assessment for the identification of cognitive aptitude, academic achievement, social, emotional, and motor development, as well as the implications of these results for instruction and remediation.

5360 Survey of Exceptionality. (3-0) Course provides for the examination of types, characteristics, and etiologies of various exceptionalities; identification of federal laws as they relate to various populations; and serves as an introduction to the education of exceptional students in the home, school, and community.

5375 Behavioral Expectations and Management in the Home and School. (3-0) Plan and utilize behavioral techniques including functional assessment/analysis, behavioral recording, differential reinforcement, antecedent manipulation, generalization training, and self-management.

Prerequisites: SPED 5360, 5334, 5326, 5327. With faculty approval can take up to two of these concurrently with 5389.

5380 Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Schools. (3-0). This course covers theory, issues, and applications of positive behavioral interventions  and supports in school settings. Topics include history and foundations of PBIS; PBIS assessment and evaluation; and best practices in behavior and academic supports in PBIS programs. 

Prerequisites: SPED 5313, 5311 or 5326, 5327 or 5314, or instructor approval.

5385 Educational Diagnostician Ethics, Standards, and Procedures. (3-0) Course provides information about professional roles, ethics, standards, laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to educational diagnosticians. Procedures for selecting, administering, and interpreting standardized instruments utilized for evaluation of exceptional learners will also be addressed.

Prerequisite: EDTC 5310, EDTC 5315

5389 Special Education Practicum. (3-0) Design and implement educational programs for students with disabilities including assessment, planning, instruction, progress reporting, and development of annual goals and objectives. Supervised.

Prerequisites: SPED 5360, 5334, 5326, 5327, 5313. With faculty approval can take up to two of these concurrently with 5389

5390 Educational Diagnostician Practicum. (3-0). Provides opportunities for students to become familiar with the professional responsibilities of educational diagnosticians. Emphasis placed on participation in the full individual evaluation process for identifying problems, developing interventions, and participating in school-based teams.

Prerequisites: SPED 5334, 5375, EDP 5376, 5386, and 5394.