Special Education, BS

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The BS in Special Education degree program prepares students seeking initial teaching licensure in Special Education, General Curriculum K-12. Students participate in a variety of coursework paired with authentic field experiences to tie theory to practice. Students will also build content knowledge through coursework in English, Math, Natural Science, and Social Studies, along with building their capacity for citizen leadership through the Civitae Core Curriculum.

Please note: The licensure status of this program is pending Virginia Department of Educaiton approval.

Civitae Core Requirements (40 credits)

Civitae Core Curriculum

Special Education majors may count Civitae Core courses satisfying major requirements as also satisfying their respective requirements. The following are the courses in this major that may be used in this way:

Pillar Courses:

Aethetic Expression (FAES) Pillar: ENGL 280
Global Citizenship(FGLO) Pillar: ASL 110
Historical & Contemporary Insights (FHCI) Pillar: HIST 222
Human Behavior & Social Institutions (FHBS) Pillar: EDUC 245
Scientific Reasoning (FSRC) Pillar: BIOL 114

Perspective Courses:

Aethetic Expression (PAES) Perspective: MUSC 389 or THEA 389
Human Behavior & Social Institutions (PHBS) Perspective: SOCL 320
Integrating World Languages (PWLA) Perspective: ASL 210
Scientific Reasoning (PSRC) Perspective: EASC 300

Additional Degree Requirements (3 credits)

MAED 313 - Geometry and Measurement for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 3 credits

Major Requirements (74 credits + 28 counted in Civitae)

ENGL 382 - Grammar: Theory and Practice 3 credits
MAED 209 - Numbers and Operations for Elementary and Middle School Teachers 3 credits
The credits associated with the following major requirements are counted in Civitae: ART 389 - Integrated Arts/Visual Arts 3 credits
OR
MUSC 389 - Integrated Arts/Music 3 credits
OR
THEA 389 - Integrated Arts/Theatre 3 credits
ASL 110 - Beginning Language and Culture 4 credits
ASL 210 - Beginning Integrated Language and Culture 3 credits
BIOL 114 - Life Science for Educators 3 credits
EASC 300 - The Dynamic Planet 3 credits
ENGL 280 - Children’s Literature 3 credits
HIST 222 - United States History 1877-Modern Times 3 credits
SOCL 320 - Sociology of Education 3 credits

Prior to Teacher Candidacy

EDUC 245 - Human Growth, Development, and Learning 3 credits
(counted in Civitae)
EDUC 260 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession 2 credits
SPED 202 - Introduction to Special Education 3 credits
SPED 225 - Evidence-Based Pedagogy 3 credits

Teacher Candidacy

Note: SPED 332 and SPED 333 must be taken concurrently.

ELEM 260 - Diverse Learners, Families, and Communities 3 credits
SPED 222 - Science and Social Studies Methods for Teaching Exceptional Learners 3 credits
SPED 251 - Foundations of Autism 3 credits
SPED 275 - IEP Development and Implementation 3 credits
SPED 280 - Language Development/Disorders & Assistive Technology 3 credits
SPED 305 - Behavior Management 3 credits
SPED 316 - Medical and Neurological Considerations for Exceptional Students 3 credits
SPED 325 - Introduction to Assessment 3 credits
SPED 330 - Adaptations for Exceptional Learners in Mathematics 3 credits
SPED 331 - Foundations of Literacy for Exceptional Learners 3 credits
SPED 332 - Literacy Methods for Exceptional Learners 3 credits
SPED 333 - Literacy Practicum with Exceptional Learners 3 credits

Practicum Semester

Note: SPED 401 and SPED 405 must be taken concurrently.

SPED 401 - Special Education Clinical Experience 3 credits
SPED 405 - Behavior Management 2 3 credits
SPED 445 - Formal Assessment of Exceptional Learners 3 credits
SPED 480 - Collaboration and Transition Planning 3 credits

Student Teaching Semester

Note: Passing scores on Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) are required prior to beginning student teaching. Student teaching requirements from OTP must be met. SPED 406 and SPED 407 must be taken concurrently.

SPED 406 - Special Education Teaching Internship 10 credits
SPED 407 - Special Education Teaching Internship Seminar 2 credits

Longwood University