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Accelerated Teacher Education Program –

Accelerated Cross-Categorical Special Education Course Descriptions

30 Total Credit Hours

Required Courses

  • AREDU 603 – Development & Disability Child & Youth 3 credits. This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and youth, with a comprehensive overview of differences and exceptionalities identified in high and low incidence areas of disability. Theories and issues of childhood related to social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and moral development and learning will be applied and analyzed, as well as the promotion of health and wellness, conflict resolution, and knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements. The historical and legal foundations of cross categorical special education are explored, including major federal legislation (IDEA, ADA, and Section 504), state rules and policies (PI 34 and Child Find), referral processes, and collaboration between general and special education. Knowledge and skills related to the history and basic components of inclusive learning environments, specific characteristics of each disability area, the implications of atypical childhood, and the lifelong effects of each disability are emphasized.  A practicum experience will enable candidates to demonstrate abilities to work with children and youth of all backgrounds. 
  • AREDU 605 – Diversity Transition Family Process 3 credits. This course explores issues of oppression and privilege such as racism and sexism, in addition to many aspects of identity (including race, gender, legal status, social class and sexual orientation) through a lens of Culturally Responsive Teaching, a pedagogical stance that recognizes and honors the importance of students’ cultural realities in all aspects of learning. Skills for conflict resolution and for working respectfully with diverse students, families, cultures, and communities will be developed. The course introduces the effects of different disabilities on student career, vocational, and transition readiness for adult independence, with a focus on the impact of disproportionality in transition education. Access to specialized supports and strategies for working with marginalized demographic youth and families will be provided. The course will address family engagement and parent and family rights in the transition process, as well as the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Tribes and bands in Wisconsin. 
  • AREDU 606 – CCSE Reading Literacy I 3 credits. This course focuses on the science of early literacy development and understanding the reading process by which children learn to read, combining theoretical and practical approaches to this field of study. Students will develop theoretical and practical knowledge about the reading process, development, and language through readings, discussions, activities, and study of beginning readers using assessment tools and observations (in a required practicum setting). Students will develop deep knowledge and skills in the science of learning to read.  
  • AREDU 608 – CCSE Reading Literacy II 3 credits. This course focuses on the teaching of reading for typically developing children. Students will draw upon theoretical and practical knowledge about the literacy development and the reading process as they design and implement pedagogy based on understanding of the reading process, early literacy development, the role of assessment, and language, developing confidence as a professional who is highly knowledgeable in the field of literacy pedagogy. Practicum required in which students will spend 2-3 consecutive days teaching reading to small groups or individuals for 30–45-minute blocks of time. 
  • AREDU 610 – Lang/Communication Development CCSE 3 credits. This course examines approaches to assessing and teaching language and communication skills to students with disabilities. Attention is paid to the cognitive and social bases of communication in relation to developmental stages and adapting instruction to facilitate teaching and learning for students experiencing high incidence disabilities. Cultural influences, multilingualism, dialectical differences, non-biased assessment, and assistive technology are considered. 
  • AREDU 612 – Assessment & Analysis of Disability 3 credits. This course examines and builds understanding of academic, language, behavior, and social assessment practices. Skills of data collection, interpretation, and analysis of summative and formative assessment data in academic, social, emotional, and adaptive Learning areas are applied to determination of disability and to IEP goal progress monitoring.  
  • AREDU 614 – CCSE Methods and Materials 3 credits. This course compares and analyzes educational strategies and teaching techniques, curriculum planning, methods and materials, data collection, and Inclusive classroom management for students with high incidence disabilities.  Concurrent enrollment in practicum required.  
  • AREDU 751 – Reflections on Teaching Practice AR 1.5 credits. This course engages candidate teachers in the inquiry, reflection, and action necessary for developing socially just classrooms. Candidates engage in reflecting on their student teaching practice completing the Edgewood College Initial Educator Performance Assessment.

Required Clinical Experiences 

  • AREDU 620 – Initial 8-Wk Practicum, AR Programs 0 credits. This is the initial practicum for asynchronous residency programs in ACE, ASP, and CCSE. Students will complete 50 hours of field experience in a PK-12 placement aligned with their licensure area. Students will have linked assignments from concurrent enrollment in foundations and methods courses. Each student will have supervisory observations at the initial level during this course.  
  • AREDU 622 – Advanced 8-Wk Practicum AR Programs 0 credits. This is the advanced practicum for asynchronous residency programs in ACE, ASP, and CCSE. Students will complete 50 hours of field experience in a PK-12 placement aligned with their licensure area. Students will have linked assignments from concurrent enrollment in foundations and methods courses. Each student will have supervisory observations at the advanced level during this course. 
  • AREDU 753 – CCSE Student Teaching AR Programs 1.5 credits. A supervised field teaching in cross-categorical special education in a school setting appropriate to the level of prospective professional practice.
    • Co-requisite: AREDU 751 Reflections on Teaching Practice, AR Programs