Special Education (EDSP)

EDSP 3560 - Special Ed. Process

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Focus on the process involved in special education assessments, diagnosis, placement and intervention. Analysis of federal, state and local requirements. Emphasis on development of IEP/IFSP's. Strategies for parent involvement are included.

EDSP 3700 - Intro to Disabilities Studies

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course investigates the interdisciplinary nature of disabilities studies. Historical, legal, cultural, social, economic and political factors that shape our understanding of disability is explored and analyzed in this course. The course also analyzes the impact of these factors on education of students with disabilities in today’s world.

EDSP 3930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

EDSP 3980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Independent Study. Every semester.

EDSP 4240 - Classroom Organization and Management (Early Childhood, ECSE, Elementary, Special Education)

Credit(s): 2 or 3 Credits

In this course students will examine classroom organization and behavior management in EC, ECSE, Elementary and Special Education settings. Causes of problems, prevention techniques and models for management will be explored. Family, community and advocacy issues will be addressed. This course is to be taken prior to the professional semester.

EDSP 4250 - Classroom Organization and Management (Middle, Secondary and Special Education)

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course students will examine classroom organization and behavior management in middle, secondary and special education settings. Causes of problems, prevention techniques and models for management will be explored. Family, community and advocacy issues will be addressed. This course is to be taken prior to the professional semester.

EDSP 4310 - Ed & Psych of the Exp Ind

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Survey of the historical development of Special Education: introduction to current issues. Psychological, medical, and sociological aspects related to development of the exceptional individual in classroom learning environments. Alternative instructional strategies, special education resources, family programs, multi-cultural issues introduced. Every semester.

Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)

EDSP 4380 - Student Teaching in Early Childhood Inclusive Classrooms

Credit(s): 6-10 Credits

Involves full time student teaching in a class for young children with special needs under the direction of an experienced teacher and a university supervisor.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 4530 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4400 - Speech & Lang Dev Exp Ch

Credit(s): 2-4 Credits

A study of language and speech acquisition development, structure and function in non-disabled and exceptional children, preschool through adolescence. Spring semester.

EDSP 4470 - Teach Meth for Inc Class EC/EL

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Course focuses on the inclusion of all students in the general early childhood and elementary classrooms. Emphasis will be on the development of intervention strategies, differentiations of instruction for all students, facilitation of social acceptance, participation in the IEP process and collaboration with other professionals. Includes strategies for gifted students with disabilities. Included field work.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 4310 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4480 - Teaching Method Incl Class Mid & Sec

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Course focuses on the inclusion of all students in the general middle and secondary classrooms. Emphasis will be on the development of intervention strategies, differentiation of instruction for all students, facilitation of social acceptance, participation in the IEP process and collaboration with other professionals. Includes strategies for gifted students and students with disabilities. Includes field work.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 4310 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4510 - Collaboration in Special Education

Credit(s): 2 Credits

Presents approaches to working collaboratively with students with disabilities and their families in schools, homes, and communities. Exploration of theories and methods to inform and support family/professional partnerships. Offered in spring.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 3700; EDSP 4310

EDSP 4530 - Curriculum Methods & Matl ECSE

Credit(s): 3 Credits

An investigation of designs for early childhood special education environments. Focus on intervention approaches including parental involvement. Survey of existing programs and an introduction to basic research in the field. Every third semester.

EDSP 4540 - Supervised Practicum in Early Childhood Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Individual, small group and/or classroom teaching experience under the supervision of a master teacher and a University supervisor. Seminar included.

Prerequisite(s): EDI 3550 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4600 - Medical Implications in Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Course designed to provide theoretical and practical information about physical and health related problems related to the exceptional child. Emphasis on developmental, medical and genetic characteristics related to the field of special education.

EDSP 4610 - Meth Mild/Mod Elem

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course provides an overview and opportunity for curriculum and instructional planning as related to psychological (cognitive, emotional, and social) and physical characteristics of elementary-age learners with mild-moderate disabilities. The course provides an introduction to researching evidence-based approaches, methods, and materials. Included is an introduction to how screening and diagnostic results inform planning for educational supports and equitable practices within the classroom. Additional topics include tiered systems for supporting instruction and behavior and transitional planning.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 3700 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4620 - Intro to Mild/Mod Dis Sec Meth

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course provides an overview and opportunity for curriculum and instructional planning as they relate to psychological (cognitive, emotional, and social) and physical characteristics of secondary-age learners with mild-moderate disabilities. The course includes an overview of evidence-based approaches, methods, and materials. Included is an overview of how screening and diagnostic results inform planning for educational supports and equitable practices within the classroom. Additional topics include tiered systems for supporting instruction and behavior and post high school transitional planning.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 3700 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4640 - Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A seminar to examine issues related to early childhood special education. Topics include theoretical perspectives, family issues, infant programming, environmental and personal strategies for self management, transdisciplinary practices, collaborative consultation and current trends.

Prerequisite(s): EDSP 4530 with a grade of C or higher

EDSP 4660 - Pract Mild/Mod Elem

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Classroom experience under guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor in an elementary setting (grades 1-6). Incorporating application of instructional design in the learning environment. Opportunities for development and implementation of evidence-based teaching practices with individuals and groups. Field experience focuses on children with disabilities at various developmental levels and educational settings.

EDSP 4670 - Pract Mild/Mod Sec

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Classroom experience under guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor in a secondary setting (grades 9-12). Incorporating application of instructional design in the learning environment. Opportunities for development and implementation of evidence-based teaching practices with individuals and groups. Field experience focuses on learners with disabilities at various developmental levels and educational settings.

EDSP 4850 - Student Teaching: Elementary Inclusive Classroom

Credit(s): 10 Credits

Addresses real-world teaching experiences in birth-grade 12 settings. Participants will be under the direction of a certified teacher, who has a minimum of three years of teaching experience, and a university supervisor certified in the participant's content area. Participants will continually reflect, gradually increasing responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the classroom for a minimum of two weeks of solo teaching. This 15 week culminating clinical experience is a part of the Missouri teacher certification requirement. Field experience included.

Attributes: UUC:Reflection-in-Action

EDSP 4980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Independent Study.

EDSP 5100 - Comparative Theories and Practice to Address Challenging Behaviors

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Teachers often report that one of the most challenging classroom skills to acquire is the ability to effectively provide for students who have complex or demanding behaviors. Teachers want their classroom to be an inviting and productive place for all to learn. Int his course Graduate Students will investigate theories of classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and positive behavioral support and will apply these ideas to professional practices that support the behavioral needs of their students while establishing environments where all students learn. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5200 - Mental Health Literacy

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Mental health is commonly misunderstood as a mere psychological state and is often associated with the presence of mental illness. Students will investigate the concept of mental health from an interdisciplinary and holistic viewpoint that goes beyond the consideration of one's psychological state and presence of mental illness. Students will explore the four scientific and theoretical dimensions of mental health, broadly called well-being. These dimensions include physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being. Finally, students will apply theories and evidence based practices to promote their own mental health and well-being and the mental health and well-being of their students. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5240 - Classroom Organization and Management (Early Childhood, ECSE, Elementary, Special Education)

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course students will examine classroom organization and behavior management in EC, ECSE, Elementary and Special Education settings. Causes of problems, prevention techniques and models for management will be explored. Family, community and advocacy issues will be addressed. This course is to be taken prior to the professional semester.

EDSP 5250 - Classroom Organization and Management (Middle, Secondary and Special Education)

Credit(s): 3 Credits

In this course students will examine classroom organization and behavior management in middle, secondary and special education settings. Causes of problems, prevention techniques and models for management will be explored. Family, community and advocacy issues will be addressed. This course is to be taken prior to the professional semester.

EDSP 5260 - Practicum in Special Ed.

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Graduate students synthesize the educational experiences obtained at the university through an extended, in-depth field experience under daily supervision. Offered annually.

EDSP 5280 - Inclusive Practice: On-Site Coached Practicum

Credit(s): 1 Credit (Repeatable for credit)

Coaching delivers highly effective collaboration, where the sharing and cascading of good practice builds a powerful learning platform for leaders, educators, and support staff. In the class of Inclusive Practice: On-site Coached Practicum an interactive experience designed to promote and support the participant's professional growth will occur. Graduate Students will be coached on-site by both SLU Faculty and peer coaches in how to apply effective social, emotional and academic classroom practices in the participant's own classroom setting. Opportunities for professional collaboration will be offered on a regular basis. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5290 - Collaborative Learning

Credit(s): 0.5 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Collaborative Learning is necessary for a positive agency of change. The EDSP 5290 will provide a way of working together to affect the practices of schooling. This model is based on the underlying assumption that improved learning environments for students are more likely with continuous, job-embedded conversations among educators. Through this course, the graduate student will engage in on-going collaborative discussions around social-emotional challenges and how they relate to academic barriers through in-depth investigation of establishing and maintaining a continuous improvement cycle of inquiry, action research, planning, implementation, reflection, and evaluation to address classroom challenges as they occur. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5310 - Advanced Studies in Psych/Educ the Exceptional Child

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Course focuses on the field of disability studies. Content includes psychological, medical, and sociological aspects of disabilities as related to cognitive, affective and psychomotor development of the exceptional individual. Alternative instructional strategies/teaching methods are included. Special education resources and family issues are introduced. Research to practice is emphasized. Offered every semester.

EDSP 5350 - Differentiated Instruction: Theories and Practice

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Students come to the classroom with diverse experiences, understandings, interests, strengths, and needs. The teacher's ability to understand why, when and how to differentiate instruction as a part of everyday planning and instructional delivery routines can increase equity, access, rigor, and engagement for all students. In this course, graduate students will develop the agile thinking required to analyze problems of student learning and strategically adjust instruction to increase the likelihood of successful student performance for all learners in the classroom. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5400 - Teaching Everyone: Identifying Supports for Educational Access

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Participants in this course will enhance their abilities and skills to positively approach the work of supporting students who have a variety of classroom learning needs, while at the same time building collaborative partnerships with colleagues and families. Participants will explore research regarding effective practices for diverse learners and low academic performers. Participants will identify and interpret documents and pathways to access school and community systems that guide supports for students who have special needs. Additionally, participants will investigate the ethical and legal considerations surrounding student supports and mandated requirements. (Offered occasionally)

EDSP 5530 - Fundamentals in Neurology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

An examination of neurological structures and theoretical explanations fundamental to behavior. Offered annually.

EDSP 5600 - Seminar: Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Introduction to graduate study in special education. The philosophy of science, research methodology and professional issues relating to the body of knowledge and practice in special education are discussed. Required of all special education graduate students.

EDSP 5610 - Seminar: Metal Retardation

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A gradate level study of the etiology, developmental characteristics, diagnosis, educational programs, family implications, social aspects of mental retardation.

EDSP 5630 - Seminar: Behavioral Disorders

Credit(s): 3 Credits

A survey of the prominent educational theories presenting explanations for the development of behavioral disorders; study of the major systems of instructional practice with application to the general field of special education.

EDSP 5930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

EDSP 5940 - Special Education Internship

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Integration of academic studies with administrative practice, clinical diagnosis procedures, community programs, consultant services, educational programming, research, social trends or other experiences specific to career goals. Emphasizes the relationship between scientific inquiry and professional practice.

EDSP 5950 - Special Study for Exams

Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Special Study for exams.

EDSP 5980 - Graduate Reading Course

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Prior permission of guiding professor required.

EDSP 6030 - Ethics of Special Education Leadership

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is intended to promote students' understanding of ethical considerations in the profession of special/disability education; the potential influences of personal and professional values in ethical decision making; and how to evaluate issues and make ethical decisions. Students will review ethical frameworks from which their decisions are influenced, and will analyze selected social issues in special education. Students will prepare a statement of their own personal ethics. Offered in spring during even years.

EDSP 6040 - Legal Issues in Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is intended to promote students' understanding of special education law as well as legal issues and how they have been addressed through case law and statute. Students will review legislation and supporting case law in special education along with preparing a review of a legal case and writing a legal paper that reviews an issue of concern to them.

EDSP 6060 - Media and Disability Issues

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course focuses on issues related to disability and its representation in the mass media, including television, film, print and online news articles, advertising, documentary, comic art, photography, and the Internet. Examples of course topics include the impact of stigma and stereotyping on the view persons with a disability, the various models of media representation of disability, and content and textual analysis of the representation in the media of persons with a disability.

EDSP 6110 - Special Education Administration

Credit(s): 2 or 3 Credits

Designed to prepare the administrator for management of programs in special education. The focus is on budget, legislation, organization, management, local, state and federal programs pertaining to special education discussed, as well as the preparation of grant proposals. Evaluation of programs and personnel. (Offered occasionally in Summer)

EDSP 6500 - Advanced Seminar in Special Education

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable up to 15 credits)

An in depth examination of critical issues in special education. Course will be sectioned according to area of specialization. Offered occasionally.

EDSP 6910 - Special Education Internship

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

EDSP 6930 - Special Topics

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

EDSP 6950 - Special Study for Written Comprehensive Exams

Credit(s): 0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

EDSP 6980 - Graduate Reading Course

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)