SPED 1010 Fairfield/Westport Transition    0 Credits

SPED 4403 Foundations in Research and Evaluation of Psychoeducational Issues in Special Education    3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce candidates to a range of children and adolescents with exceptional learning needs (ELN), to the intent of special education law and the process of identification and evaluation of exceptional learners, and to the foundational research on the complex issues and problems that affect these students. Topics include methods of identifying and working effectively with children and youth with special learning needs in the regular classroom; the roles and responsibility of counselors, psychologists, educators and ancillary personnel as members of a multidisciplinary team in planning educational services for exceptional learners; laws that impact on assessment, placement, parent and student rights, and support services. In this course, candidates are introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs and the methodological tools to analyze data. Through discussion of issues, candidates consider how research can be a valuable tool that helps teachers systematically reflect on learning and evidence-based practices. Using current scholarly research articles, each candidate investigates, writes, and presents on a psychoeducational issue that impacts a specific category of exceptional learners. This course requires a fieldwork component as part of the evaluation process. Crosslisted with SPED 5403.

SPED 4410 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theories and Interventions    3 Credits

Prerequisites: EDUC 2201, EDUC 3350.

This course highlights current research on theories and etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Candidates examine characteristics and behaviors associated with ASD. Specific diagnostic assessment and screening tools are reviewed to examine how these tools are utilized to identify infants and children with ASD. The course also focuses on providing the candidates with understanding the role of families. The course helps create a framework for implementing effective pedagogical interventions, profiling the strengths and challenges of various interventions. Graduate equivalent: SPED 5410. Previously SE 0310.

SPED 4411 Introduction to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities    3 Credits

Prerequisites: EDUC 2201, EDUC 3350.

This course is designed to advance candidates' understanding and knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities by critically examining theories and research regarding the psychological, sociological, and educational aspects of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candidates are expected to display levels of competency and proficiency in all three aspects. Graduate equivalent: SPED 5411. Previously SE 0311.

SPED 4413 Theories of and Introduction to Learning Disabilities    3 Credits

Prerequisites: EDUC 2201, EDUC 3350.

This course introduces students to the area of learning disabilities, exploring various theoretical constructs pertaining to numerous facets of the disorder (e.g., cognition, executive function, attention deficits, etc.), by tracing the history of its development and discussing current issues about the definition and the types of learning disabilities. Educational and social emotional sequelae and implications of processing impairments on learning are examined in the context of the assessment-teaching process (includes a 5-hour field-based project). Graduate equivalent: SPED 5413. Previously SE 0313.

SPED 4417 Introduction to Children and Youth with Emotional Disturbances    3 Credits

Prerequisites: EDUC 2201, EDUC 3350.

This core course introduces candidates to the area of emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) by examining symptoms, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and assessment techniques of students K-12 who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral deficits. Emphasis is placed on social and emotional development, the process of identifying students with EBD, analysis of behavior (ABA) and functional behavioral assessment (FBA), development of individual educational plans (IEPs) and instructional strategies designed to address the social and academic needs of students with EBD. This course includes a 2.5-hour field component. All students must have criminal clearance prior to registration. Graduate equivalent: SPED 5417. Previously SE 0317.

SPED 4565 Evidenced-Based Strategies in the Inclusive Classroom    3 Credits

This course builds on the foundational knowledge about exceptional learners examined during SPED 3350, and shifts the focus to strategies that can be used to differentiate instruction for exceptional learners in the inclusive classroom. General education candidates will learn about their role in the pre-referral/referral process and how to develop IEP goals and objectives. Next, candidates will be introduced to a range of social and academic assessment devices that are used to drive instruction. Using videos and case studies, candidates will analyze patterns of behavior in order to design evidenced-based classroom behavior management plans. By the end of the course, candidates will be able to make modifications to their curriculum and accommodations to their instructional delivery to meet the needs of exceptional learners. Prerequisite: SPED 3350

SPED 5401 Augmentative Alternative Communications and Assistive Technologies    3 Credits

This course provides prospective teachers with an overview of a range of assistive devices that can be implemented in a classroom setting for individuals in grades K-12 with communication deficits, visual and/or hearing impairments, physical challenges, and mild learning impairments. In this course, emphasis is placed on evaluating the needs of individuals whose exceptional needs create barriers to learning and on selecting the appropriate technology that will bypass their disability. Candidates will be provided with resources on current devices and given opportunities to examine and operate actual devices that they may encounter in the classroom setting. Previously SE 0400.

SPED 5403 Foundations in Research and Evaluation of Psychoeducational Issues in Special Education    3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce candidates to a range of children and adolescents with exceptional learning needs (ELN), to the intent of special education law and the process of identification and evaluation of exceptional learners, and to the foundational research on the complex issues and problems that affect these students. Topics include methods of identifying and working effectively with children and youth with special learning needs in the regular classroom; the roles and responsibility of counselors, psychologists, educators and ancillary personnel as members of a multidisciplinary team in planning educational services for exceptional learners; laws that impact on assessment, placement, parent and student rights, and support services. In this course, candidates are introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs and the methodological tools to analyze data. Through discussion of issues, candidates consider how research can be a valuable tool that helps teachers systematically reflect on learning and evidence-based practices. Using current scholarly research articles, each candidate investigates, writes, and presents on a psychoeducational issue that impacts a specific category of exceptional learners. This course requires a fieldwork component as part of the evaluation process. Previously SE 0403. Crosslisted with SPED 4403.

SPED 5410 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theories and Interventions    3 Credits

This course highlights current research on theories and etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Candidates examine characteristics and behaviors associated with ASD. Specific diagnostic assessment and screening tools are reviewed to examine how these tools are utilized to identify infants and children with ASD. The course also focuses on providing the candidates with understanding the role of families. The course helps create a framework for implementing effective pedagogical interventions, profiling the strengths and challenges of various interventions. Undergraduate equivalent: SPED 4410. Previously SE 0410.

SPED 5411 Introduction to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities    3 Credits

This course is designed to advance candidates' understanding and knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities by critically examining theories and research regarding the psychological, sociological, and educational aspects of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Candidates are expected to display levels of competency and proficiency in all three aspects. Undergraduate equivalent: SPED 4411. Previously SE 0411.

SPED 5413 Theories of and Introduction to Learning Disabilities    3 Credits

This course introduces students to the area of learning disabilities, exploring various theoretical constructs pertaining to numerous facets of the disorder (e.g., cognition, executive function, attention deficits, etc.), by tracing the history of its development and discussing current issues about the definition and the types of learning disabilities. Educational and social emotional sequelae and implications of processing impairments on learning are examined in the context of the assessment-teaching process (includes a 10-hour field-based project). Undergraduate equivalent: SPED 4413. Previously SE 0413.

SPED 5417 Introduction to Children and Youth with Social and Emotional Disturbances    3 Credits

This core course introduces candidates to the area of emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) by examining symptoms, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and assessment techniques of students K-12 who exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral deficits. Emphasis is placed on social and emotional development, the process of identifying students with EBD, analysis of behavior (ABA) and functional behavioral assessment (FBA), development of individual educational plans (IEPs) and instructional strategies designed to address the social and academic needs of students with EBD. This course includes a 5-hour field component. All students must have criminal clearance prior to registration. Undergraduate equivalent: SPED 4417. Previously SE 0417.

SPED 5419 Special Learners in the Bilingual/ESL Classroom    3 Credits

Designed to familiarize special educators, bilingual educators, and ESL teachers with the developmental learning needs of children and adolescents who are exceptional, this course examines the special learning needs of linguistically and culturally diverse children, exploring methods of identifying and working effectively with exceptional children and adolescents in bilingual or ESL classrooms. Crosslisted with TSLA 5419. Previously SE 0419.

SPED 5432 Management Techniques in Special Education    3 Credits

Designed to offer training in techniques for improving the academic and social behavior of students with behavior problems, this course teaches candidates how to effect positive behavioral change and includes such topics as behavioral observation and analysis, task analysis, intervention strategies, and behavior change measurement and recording. Candidates complete a functional behavior assessment using data from a fieldwork component for this course. Previously SE 0432.

SPED 5486 Developmental Literacy I: Fundamentals of Reading and Language Development    3 Credits

This course is the first in a set of two courses that address the foundational concepts, theories, empirical research, and developmental milestones associated with oral and written language. This course focuses on the development of essential decoding strand reading skills (phonological awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency), as well as aspects of cognition and behavior that affect reading and writing. Candidates learn how to administer, score, and interpret universal screening and informal diagnostic measures in the areas of phonological awareness, alphabetic principle, and fluency for the purposes of determining the most appropriate starting point for instruction and planning differentiated instructional groups. Candidates also learn how to select and deliver varied research-based instructional strategies to develop students' foundational reading skills in the areas of phonological awareness, alphabetic principle, and fluency. Crosslisted with RLDV 5486. Previously SE 0486.

SPED 5487 Developmental Literacy II: Essentials of Vocabulary and Text Comprehension    3 Credits

This course is the second in a set of two courses that address the foundational concepts, theories, empirical research, and developmental milestones associated with oral and written language. This course focuses on the development of essential comprehension strand reading skills (fluency, vocabulary, comprehension), as well as aspects of cognition and behavior that affect reading and writing. Candidates learn how to administer, score, and interpret universal screening and informal diagnostic measures in the areas of vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency for the purposes of determining the most appropriate starting point for instruction and planning differentiated instructional groups. Candidates also learn how to select and deliver varied research-based instructional strategies to develop students' reading skills in the areas of vocabulary and comprehension. Crosslisted with RLDV 5487. Previously SE 0487.

SPED 5489 Principles and Practices of Structured Literacy    3 Credits

This course introduces candidates to the principles and practices of Structured Literacy and prepares candidates to deliver reading and writing instruction from a systematic, explicit orientation. In this hands-on class, candidates are introduced to high-impact instructional routines, student-centered activities, and lesson planning and delivery conventions aligned with the essential components of reading. Crosslisted with RLDV 5489.

SPED 6534 Skill Development for Individualized Educational Plans    3 Credits

This course is designed to develop the skills necessary for creating comprehensive diagnostic educational plans for students with identified learning needs and utilizes comprehensive cognitive processing and academic achievement evaluations as a foundation. A non-categorical approach is utilized and topics of exploration include: the identification of patterns of strengths and weaknesses and resultant development of goals and objectives; determination of appropriate methodologies, programs, and strategies; selection and organizational sequence of materials; and consideration of various educational environments in which services may be provided. Previously SE 0534.

SPED 6537 Curriculum and Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities    3 Credits

Prerequisite: SPED 6534.

This course provides candidates with knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating instruction based on knowledge of the student, the intended student outcomes, and the curriculum. The course focuses on students with dis/abilities, including students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Topics include student characteristics, research‐based methods and strategies, curriculum standards, accommodations, and modifications. Most importantly, this course is designed to help candidates think and reflect on how to design instruction that is appropriate given the unique students and communities in which candidates will teach throughout their career. Previously SE 0537.

SPED 6550 Collaboration and Consultation for the Special Educator    3 Credits

This course presents an overview of models that support the role of the consulting teacher as a facilitator and collaborator with school-based personnel and families of students with disabilities in the process of decision making and service delivery to children, youth, and young adults with special learning needs. Major topics include: the application of consultation models and family systems theories to systems change; psychosocial stages of family structure and systemic interaction; stages of group process, working with paraprofessionals, and co-teaching. This class may require a fieldwork component. Previously SE 0550.

SPED 6561 Diagnostic Procedures in Special Education of Youth with Disabilities    3 Credits

This course includes selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of individually administered cognitive processing and academic achievement diagnostic instruments that help drive instructional decision-making. Candidates are also provided with detailed information/data as it pertains to administering varied diagnostic assessments used for disability identification, interpreting results for purposes of determining eligibility for various disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc.) and, understanding varied diagnostic assessments and procedures by using various models of interpretation and theoretical foundations. Also, the course provides a foundation for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of students undergoing diagnostic evaluations. Previously SE 0561.

SPED 6565 Evidence-Based Strategies in the Inclusive Classroom    3 Credits

Prerequisite: EDUC 3350 or SPED 5403.

This course builds on the foundational knowledge about exceptional learners examined during SE 0405, and shifts the focus to strategies that can be used to differentiate instruction for exceptional learners in the inclusive classroom. General education candidates will learn about their role in the pre-referral/referral process and how to develop IEP goals and objectives. Next, candidates will be introduced to a range of social and academic assessment devices that are used to drive instruction. Using videos and case studies, candidates will analyze patterns of behavior in order to design evidenced-based classroom behavior management plans. By the end of the course, candidates will be able to make modifications to their curriculum, and accommodations to their instructional delivery, to meet the needs of exceptional learners. Previously SE 0565.

SPED 6575 Developmental Literacy Remediation for Students in Grades 3+    1 Credit

Fee: $141 SEHD Fee

This course examines reading research and the five essential components of reading in relation to students in Grade 3+ with persistent phonological coding deficits. Candidates will learn about the principles and practices of Structured Literacy and multi-sensory language instruction through study of the Wilson Reading System (WRS), including student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, creating a successful classroom environment, principles of language structure, and how to teach language with direct, multi-sensory methods. Cross-listed with RLDV 6575. Previously SE 0575.

SPED 6576 Intensive Instruction I for the Non-Responsive Reader Using the Wilson Reading System    3 Credits

Fee: $423 SEHD Fee

This course presents in detail how the principles and practices of multi-sensory, structured language instruction are applied to support the remedial reading needs of students with word-level deficits in Grades 3+ who have not adequately responded to intervention. This course features practical application of reading research, with particular emphasis on phonological awareness, phonics and spelling at the beginning levels of decoding and encoding. It also provided specific procedures to teach the following syllable types: closed, vowel-consonant-e, open, and consonant-le. The course includes additional topics on diagnostic teaching and differentiating instruction, program pacing, high frequency word instruction, vocabulary instruction, fluency instruction, dyslexia, listening and reading comprehension strategies, use of differentiated texts, and handwriting. Candidates explore the above in relation to Steps 1-6 of the Wilson Reading System (WRS). Cross-listed with RLDV 6576.

SPED 6577 Clinical Intensive Instruction I for the Non-Responsive Reader in Grades 3+    1.5 Credits

Fee: $211.5 SEHD Fee

This supervised practicum experience prepares candidates to effectively implement a multi-sensory structured language reading program with students in Grades 3-12 that present with significant word-level reading and spelling deficits, including those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability or dyslexia. Candidates will acquire a sophisticated working knowledge of the sound-symbol system of English (phonology) and its structure (morphology) as well as the use of specific diagnostic methods in teaching reading and spelling. This Wilson Reading System Steps 1-6 web-based practicum is supervised by a Wilson Credentialed Trainer. Cross-listed with RLD 6577. Previously SE 0577.

SPED 6578 Intensive Instruction II for the Non-Responsive Reader Using the Wilson Reading System    3 Credits

Fee: $423 SEHD Fee

This course is a continuation of SPED 6576 and presents in detail how the principles and practices of multi-sensory structured language instruction are applied to support the remedial reading needs of students with word-level deficits in Grades 3+ who have not adequately responded to intervention. This course features practical application of reading research, and expands upon the topics of phonological awareness, phonics and spelling at the beginning levels of decoding and encoding. It also provides additional opportunities to refine procedural skill associated with teaching the following syllable types: closed, vowel-consonant-e, open, and consonant-le. The course includes additional topics on diagnostic teaching and differentiating instruction, program pacing, high frequency word instruction, vocabulary instruction, fluency instruction, dyslexia, listening and reading comprehension strategies, use of differentiated texts, and handwriting. Candidates explore the above in relation to Steps 1-6 of the Wilson Reading System (WRS). Cross-listed with RLDV 6578. Previously SE 0578.

SPED 6579 Clinical Intensive Instruction II for the Non-Responsive Reader in Grades 3+    1.5 Credits

Fee: $211.5 SEHD Fee

This supervised practicum experience is a continuation of SE 0577 and prepares candidates to effectively implement a multi-sensory structured language reading program with students in Grades 3-12 that present with significant word-level reading and spelling deficits, including those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability or dyslexia. Candidates will acquire a sophisticated working knowledge of the sound-symbol system of English (phonology) and its structure (morphology) as well as the use of specific diagnostic methods in teaching reading and spelling. This Wilson Reading System Steps 1-6 web-based practicum is supervised by a Wilson Credentialed Trainer. Cross-listed with RLDV 6579. Previously SE 0579.

SPED 6599 Seminar in Special Education    3 Credits

This advanced synthesizing seminar directs the candidate toward an in-depth study of special topics in the field, using a research-oriented approach. Open only to matriculated students in the Special Education program with permission from the candidate's university advisor and the Director of Special Education. Previously SE 0599.

SPED 6900 Special Topics (Shell)    3 Credits

This course explores advanced topics in the field of special education. Topics may vary each semester and are determined by the special education faculty as a reflection of pertinent themes of interest in the field. Previously SE 0568.

SPED 6951 Practica/DSAP in Special Education    3 Credits

This course consists of an experiential opportunity for candidates pursuing a cross-endorsement or DSAP in special education. Each practicum is individually designed to meet the candidate's needs and fulfill the certification requirement of working with at least two different disabilities. Candidates fulfilling the cross-endorsement/DSAP in comprehensive special education confirm placements in conjunction with the candidate's University advisor and the Director of Student Teaching Placement. Enrollment requires successful completion of required courses, passing of the PRAXIS II in Special Education and the Foundations of Reading Test, and permission of the candidate's University advisor. Candidates must notify their University advisor and the Director of Field Experiences of their intent to start these courses in the semester prior to their anticipated practicum/DSAP placement. For cross-endorsement and DSAP candidates only. Pass/Fall. Previously SE 0591.

SPED 6952 Practica/DSAP in Special Education    3 Credits

This course consists of an experiential opportunity for candidates pursuing a cross-endorsement or DSAP in special education. Each practicum is individually designed to meet the candidate's needs and fulfill the certification requirement of working with at least two different disabilities. Candidates fulfilling the cross-endorsement/DSAP in comprehensive special education confirm placements in conjunction with the candidate's University advisor and the Director of Student Teaching Placement. Enrollment requires successful completion of required courses, passing of the PRAXIS II in Special Education and the Foundations of Reading Test, and permission of the candidate's University advisor. Candidates must notify their University advisor and the Director of Field Experiences of their intent to start these courses in the semester prior to their anticipated practicum/DSAP placement. For cross-endorsement and DSAP candidates only. Pass/Fall. Previously SE 0592.

SPED 6953 Student Teaching in Special Education    3-6 Credits

This course consists of a semester-long, full time placement in a public school or an approved setting working with a trained cooperating teacher who supervises the candidate pursuing an initial certificate in special education as he or she works with students identified with at least two different disabilities. Student teaching requirements include attendance in Student Teaching and Practicum/DSAP Seminar (SPED 6954) in conjunction with the on-site experience and supervision. Candidates fulfilling the initial certificate in special education coordinate their site placements with their academic advisor, University supervisor, and/or the director of Student Teaching Placement. Enrollment requires successful completion of required courses and permission of the candidate's University advisor. Candidates must notify their University advisor, and the Director of Field Experiences of their intent to start this course in the semester prior to their anticipated student teaching experience. For initial certification candidates only. Pass/Fail. Previously SE 0593.

SPED 6954 Student Teaching/DSAP Seminar in Special Education    3 Credits

Corequisite: SPED 6953.

Participants take this weekly seminar concurrently with student teaching/DSAP. Although much of the seminar's subject matter flows from the ongoing student teaching/DSAP experience, it deliberately addresses areas such as understanding IEPs, goal writing, lesson planning, due process, mindfulness, communication with parents/caregivers, sensitivity to multicultural issues, and roles and responsibilities as a case manager. It also provides opportunities to collaborate with regular education certification candidates in ways authentic to the work of both categories of teachers and special education. The course stresses continued reflective practice and professional development, including development of a professional portfolio, continued study and research, and establishing a supportive collegial network. The job application process, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a teaching philosophy, are also addressed. Candidates also receive information on the certification process. Previously SE 0594.

SPED 6990 Independent Study    3-6 Credits

The course provides opportunities for advanced candidates to pursue their interests in diverse aspects of special education under the guidance of a faculty member. Enrollment by permission of the instructor and the Director of Special Education only. Previously SE 0595.

SPED 6999 Comprehensive Examination in Special Education    0 Credits

Prerequisites: SPED 5410, SPED 5411, SPED 5413, SPED 5417.

The comprehensive examination is required of all candidates earning an MA degree in Special Education. The comprehensive exam is taken after successful completion of at least 18 credits in the program in special education and is designed to assess a candidate's understanding, skills and knowledge base in the four areas associated with the State of Connecticut certification law: a) Psycho-educational theory and development of children with disabilities, b) Diagnosis of children and youth with disabilities, c) Program planning and education of children and youth with disabilities, and d) Curriculum and methods of teaching children and youth with disabilities. If the candidate fails one or more sections of the comprehensive examination, he/she will have one additional opportunity to re-take and pass the section(s) during the scheduled administration of the examination. Grading method: Pass with distinction/Pass/Fail. Previously SE 0099.