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Special Education

Details

The Special Education (P-12) minor prepares students to teach students with disabilities at all school grade levels. The program focuses on the content of the discipline, as well as, the pedagogical skills necessary for teaching in a school classroom.

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About the Program

Major

The Elementary Education (K-8) and Special Education (P-12) combined major prepares students to teach subject matter at the elementary level (K-8) and teach students with disabilities. Understanding child cognitive and affective development is emphasized, as well as, the individual academic disciplines of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.  In addition, students will receive specific coursework in identification and educational programming for students with disabilities.

Minor

The Special Education (P-12) minor prepares students to teach students with disabilities at all school grade levels.  The program focuses on the content of the discipline, as well as, the pedagogical skills necessary for teaching in a school classroom. The goal of this minor is to help future educators understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide culturally responsive, meaningful, and challenging learning experiences and environments for individuals with exceptionalities.

Featured Courses

SPED 200

Intro to Exceptional Children

This course provides a broad overview of the field of special education and the characteristics and needs of children and youth with disabilities.

SPED 304

Students With High Incidence Disabilities

This course focuses on the physical, sensory, communication, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics of students with high incidence disabilities.

SPED 408

Methods for Teaching Students With Disabilities

Exploring and developing skills for effectively teaching students with learning and behavior disorders. 

Courses and Student Learning Objectives

Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole student. Through courses, field experiences, and supervised practicums, students get many opportunities to experience the classroom and develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will prepare them for a successful career in teaching.

Acceptance Into Teacher Education Program and Student Teaching

Students pursuing a major in any Teacher Education Program must meet certain benchmarks in order to be accepted to the program and to student teach.  See the Academic Catalog for a complete outline of the criteria for Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program and for Acceptance to Student Teaching.

All Special Education Major students must meet the following requirements: 

  • Earn a grade of “C-” or better in all Major and Professional Education Requirements and Other Program Requirements.
  • Earn a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average for Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
  • Earn a minimum 3.0 grade point average in Major Program Requirements, Professional Program Requirements, and Other Program Requirements for Acceptance to Student Teaching.

Professional Educational Outcomes

Beyond being highly prepared for the elementary-age classroom in both private and public school settings, opportunities are available in the fields of writing, editing, and administration. Carroll will help you develop strong teaching skills that would aid in any profession for which education and training are required.

Program Highlights

The Special Education (P-8) major is designed to lead to licensure in the state of Montana.  All Majors leading to licensure in the Carroll College Teacher Education Program are accredited by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Teacher Education graduates will demonstrate competence in the Montana Teaching Standards and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of the Elementary and Special Education combined major are qualified to teach in general elementary or middle school classrooms (K-8) and special education settings (P-12) across all grade levels. This dual certification allows you to work as an inclusive classroom teacher, special education specialist, intervention specialist, or resource room teacher. The comprehensive training also prepares you for roles in educational consulting, curriculum development for diverse learners, or leadership positions in special education programs. 

The Elementary Education bachelor’s degree can be completed in four years and we’ve even laid out a schedule to help you with which classes you need to take—and when: Elementary Education 4-Year Plan

 

We encourage you to contact the department with any other questions you have about the program!

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