Special Education (K-12), B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Special Education (K-12)

Coordinator: Gretchen Robinson

Location: Department of Educational Specialties

Program Description

The programs of study in Special Education consist of five curricular components: freshman seminar and general education, the professional studies core, the content courses area, content pedagogy (methods and internship), and content area focus. Upon successful completion of the program and related requirements, graduates are eligible for a Standard Professional I license to teach in the State of North Carolina. The NC Department of Public Instruction issues the teaching license based on University recommendation.

The Special Education program in General Curriculum is one of 12 teacher education programs offered at UNCP. Special Education majors are subject to Teacher Education Program regulations, admission requirements, continuation requirements, and graduation requirements.

The Special Education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the NC State Board of Education.

Program Standards

The Teacher Education Program standards for all education majors are described fully in the UNCP Teacher Education Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Special Education Program is to prepare effective and qualified professionals that provide research-validated instruction and behavior supports to maintain at grade level students with disabilities who are enrolled in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The following are the objectives for the undergraduate Special Education Program.

The effective and qualified pre-service special educator

1. acquires basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes in a wide variety of disciplines including the arts and the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and the social sciences.
2. develops the ability to analyze.
3. experiences a interdisciplinary curriculum which emphasized the interrelationship of the culture, research and practices deemed appropriate and necessary in educational and social settings.
4. completes an Academic or Professional Concentration (Reading is suggested) of sufficient depth and breadth to complement and strengthen their overall program of studies and area of specialization.
5. acquires knowledge and understanding of human growth and development; foundations of education; the purpose, organization, and administration of the schools; the teaching-learning process; positive behavior supports; collaboration with general education teachers; curriculum; and methodology.
6. demonstrates necessary competencies through systematic field experiences at both the elementary and secondary level, and a culminating and comprehensive student teaching internship.
7. develops a broad background in the various categories of exceptional, diverse, and at-risk students, and demonstrates special skills in teaching students with mild disabilities across various content areas and ages; and in various settings.
8. demonstrates appropriate communication skills and a professional attitude for collaboration with parents, school personnel, and other related professionals.
9. demonstrates a diagnostic-prescriptive orientation toward instruction and behavior intervention, and is able to offer intensive and explicit individual and small group instruction.
10. provides leadership in implementing special education procedures and policies.
11. experiences, through personal investigation and growth, increased self-actualization, and in turn, foster self-worth and confidence through positive interaction with learners who have mild disabilities.

Freshman Seminar: 1 Sem. Hr.

General Education: 44 Sem. Hrs.

See General Education Program  for available options in each category.

• ENG 1050. Composition I (3 credits)
• ENG 1060. Composition II (3 credits)
• Fine Art (3 credits)
• Literature (3 credits)
• History (3 credits)
• Philosophy and Religion (3 credits)
• Social Sciences (9 credits)
• Natural Science (6 credits)
• Mathematics (3 credits)
• Physical Education (2 credits)
• General Education Electives (6 credits)

Professional Studies Core: 15 Sem. Hrs.

• EDN 2100. Introduction to Education (3 credits)
• EDN 3130. Content Area Reading (3 credits)
• EDN 3150. Developmental Perspectives of Educational Psychology (Grades K‐12) (3 credits)
• RDG 2000. Foundations of Reading and Language Acquisition (3 credits)
• SED 3310. Introduction to the Exceptional Child (3 credits)

Content Courses: 24 Sem. Hrs.

• EDN 3900. Research and Writing in Education (3 credits)
• SED 3040. Working with Families of Diverse Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
• SED 3110. Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs (3 credits)
• SED 3320. Special Education Law, Policies, and Procedures (3 credits)
• SED 3330. Teaching Students Who Need Adaptive or Functional Curricula (3 credits)
• SED 3350. Assessment of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
• SED 4030. Collaboration in School and Community for School Professionals (3 credits)
• SED 4250. Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)

Special Education Pedagogy Courses: 30 Sem. Hrs.

• SED 3340. Instructional Strategies for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
• SED 4310. Discipline and Classroom Management (3 credits)
• SED 4320. Classroom Considerations and the IEP for Special Education Students (3 credits)
• SED 4330. Diagnosing and Remediating Mathematics Problems (3 credits)
• SED 4360. Seminar in Special Education (3 credits)
• SED 4960. Internship for Special Education Teacher Candidates (9 credits)
• SED 4240. Diagnosing and Remediating Reading and Writing Problems I (3 credits)
• SED 4340. Diagnosing and Remediating Reading and Writing Problems II (3 credits)

School of Education Electives (6 credit hours)

Total: 120 Sem. Hrs.