This methodology course examines educational support strategies and intervention techniques suitable for students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Focus is given to understanding the function of behavior and its communicative intent. Measurement of behavior, reinforcement strategies, systematic program development, techniques for monitoring student progress, and procedures for increasing academic and socially appropriate behavior are emphasized. Effective instructional strategies are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.

This methodology course prepares Education Specialists for the successful teaching of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics include instructional planning and social stories, evaluation techniques and functional behavior assessment, research trends and outcomes, working with repetitive behaviors, sensory and movement disorders, atypical language development, and atypical social development. This course includes intentional practice in partnering for special education and related services, supporting students in the general curriculum, and promoting friendships for students with ASD. Effective instructional strategies are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.

This methodology course prepares Education Specialists for the successful teaching of students with the disability of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Candidates will become familiar with a variety of specific methods and strategies to use in teaching students who have experienced a head injury. Among topics included are the need for frequent evaluation and reevaluation because of the nature and trend of their recovery, especially in the first couple of years after the onset of the injury; determining supplementary aids and services; supporting the functional domains of memory, attention and concentration, executive functioning, self-awareness, and language. This course will examine a comprehensive plan for addressing the long-term effects of TBI requiring interventions to address present and anticipated future needs of the students. Effective instructional strategies are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.

This methodology course prepares Education Specialists for successful teaching of students with other health impairments (OHI). Topics include determining the presence of acute and chronic conditions associated with OHI, collaborating with health professionals in the monitoring of the student's disability, determining the nature of specially designed instruction and services, curriculum differentiation and design, safe management and operation of specialized equipment, integration of curriculum, and classroom application of various forms of assistive technology. Effective instructional strategies are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.

This methodology course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach and engage students with orthopedic disabilities in essential skills including academics, independent living skills, personal independence skills, communication skills, psychosocial skills, and career and vocational experiences. Candidates develop and apply knowledge in adapting teaching techniques and methods of instruction to meet individual needs of students in schools, hospitals, and students' homes. Emphasis is given to factors such as individual needs, abilities, learning levels, and physical limitations of students, as well as the need for low and high assistive technology devices, services, and software applications that facilitate communication. Effective instructional strategies and interventions are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.

This methodology course provides an overview of early childhood special education and the provision of early intervention screening, assessment, planning, family involvement, and inclusive practices for young children with special needs. Candidates will build the skills to understand, analyze, and reflect upon best practices and use sound professional strategies to assist young children. The course will emphasize (a) an ecological approach to assessment of the young child; (b) partnerships with families; (c) the collaborative planning of the IFSP/IEP; and (d) the relationship between assessment and intervention services. Effective instructional strategies are practiced and applied through 30 hours of fieldwork experiences.