SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Department offers a Masters of Education in Special Education Degree designed to prepare Learning Behavioral Specialists I (LBSI) as defined by the Illinois State Board of Education. This program is cross-categorical and has been redesigned to help teachers address the needs of students with disabilities in the State of Illinois. This program is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children. Please click here for Ceritfied teachers and click here for Initial Certification.

The Special Education program has been designed for students to become reflective practitioners who:

1. Understand the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education.
2. Understand how disabilities impact the cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and communication development of an individual and provide opportunities that support the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students (ages 3-21).
3. Understand the educational assessment process and use various assessment strategies to support the continuous development of all students (ages 3-21).
4. Understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners; understand instructional planning and design instruction based on knowledge of the discipline, student, community, and curriculum goals.
5. Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
6. Understand the central concepts and methods of inquiry; use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills; and create learning experiences that make content meaningful to all students (ages 3-21).
7. Use knowledge of effective written, verbal, and visual communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction among professionals, parents, paraeducators, and students.
8. Understand teaching as a profession, maintain standards of professional conduct, and provide leadership to improve students learning and well-being.
9. Continually evaluate how choices and actions affect students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.

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