Learning Behavior Specialist I Endorsement

This course is an introduction to the fields of multicultural education and special education, including the psychology and identification of exceptionality (including, but not limited to, students with learning disabilities), differences in approaches to learning styles, multiple intelligences and performance modes, cultural differences, and methodologies for working with diverse populations in the school community. An emphasis is placed on specific strategies for adapting instruction and current practices designed to assist classroom teachers in meeting the needs of all students in the regular education setting.

Candidates will examine characteristics of individuals identified with disabilities, including levels of severity and their influence on development, behavior and learning. This course will address state and federal regulations; issues and trends in schools including, health care needs, sensory processing, motor development, and self-care skills; school/home/employment partnerships and transition procedures. Students will identify assessment and evaluation requirements and understand the process of writing Individualized Education Programs and transition plans.

This course provides teacher candidates the opportunity to master information about methods of interventions for students with disabilities. Teacher candidates will demonstrate mastery for adapting general education curriculum based on individual learner needs. An emphasis is placed on examining the academic, social and vocational needs of individuals and their transitional needs from pre-school to a post-secondary level. Teacher candidates will create lesson plans based on the goals and objectives of students with
disabilities. A focus of this course is to adapt materials and incorporate technology into all aspects of instruction for students with disabilities. This course includes 20 hours of clinical experience.

Accurate assessment and diagnosis guide the curriculum and instruction in the classroom for students with special needs. Using assessment to inform instruction enables the special education teacher to effectively identify student strengths and weaknesses, target developing skills, and foster academic growth. Candidates engage in the examination of the major principles of assessment; demonstrate understanding of the legal aspects of the evaluation of students with special needs; as well as analyze, select, and interpret appropriate assessments for students with special needs. Candidates also develop understanding of norm-referenced and curriculum based assessments and how such tests can be used in establishing student goals and benchmarks. This course includes 10 hours of
clinical experience.