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The program of study for this major is designed to prepare students for entry into the field of human services for exceptional individuals with specific emphasis areas in teaching exceptional learners. This program is generic and provides basic teaching knowledge and skills applicable to individuals with disabilities. The broad instructional focus takes a life span approach to assisting the exceptional individual and family. Primary emphasis is meeting the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings with secondary emphasis on meeting the needs of individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. Program administration presumes that graduates will work in inclusive classroom settings, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms. Students are prepared to teach in local, regional, or U.S. Mainland schools. This broad generic baccalaureate degree is designed to prepare students to be in Special Education teaching settings and to develop a foundation for more advanced graduate-level work in Special Education. The Special Education program has been nationally approved by the Council for Exceptional Children and NCATE. Minimum total credit hours required: 131.

General Education Requirements (55 credit hours):

Each student must fulfill the General Education requirements as listed in the Academic Rules and Regulations section of the University of Guam Undergraduate Catalog. General Psychology (PY101) is required and fulfills certain general education requirements. One course in Guam history or culture is required for certification in Guam. History of Guam (HI211) or Culture and Education in Guam (ED265) is recommended. [DOE requires Evaluation (ED489) for certification if the student is a dual major.]

Professional Education Requirements (31 credit hours):

• Introduction to Teaching (ED110) or Foundations of Education (ED403)
• Practicum: Observation and Participation (ED192)
• Human Growth and Development (ED201)
• Educational Psychology (ED300)
• Effective Teaching Strategies for the Elementary Multicultural Classroom (ED350)
• Language Arts Methods: Elementary (ED355)
• Mathematics Methods: Elementary (ED356)
• Reading Methods: Elementary (ED357)
• Technological Applications for Education (ED271)

And two (2) other approved elementary methods courses.

Special Education Core Requirements (39 credit hours):

• Introduction to Exceptional Individuals (ED215)
• Practicum in Special Education (ED292)
• Remediation of Individuals with Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders (ED310)
• Assessment of Skills for Children and Youth with Special Needs (ED314)
• Methods of Teaching Children and Youth with Special Needs (ED315)
• Special Education Law (ED442)
• Assistive Technology in Special Education (ED443)
• Including Children with Disabilities in the Regular Classroom (ED446)
• Behavior Management in Special Education (ED457)
• Practicum in Student Teaching (ED492)

Special Education Electives (6 credit hours):

Choose two courses from the following:

• Curriculum for Children and Youth with Disabilities (ED311)
• Guidance for Exceptional Individuals and Family (ED312)
• Transition in Special Education (ED343)
• Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education (ED483)

By the completion of the program, teacher candidates will be able to:

1. Understand the history, legislation, and policies related to the education of exceptional students
2. Understand developmental differences and factors that affect learning of exceptional students
3. Design and implement Individualized Education Plans and Individualized Transition Plans
4. Evaluate learning environments to allow students to function and perform to their fullest abilities
5. Plan, modify, and adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students
6. Use assistive technology to enhance student learning
7. Assess student learning through the use of authentic, formal, and informal assessments
8. Work with family members of exceptional students to identify appropriate resources and to provide advocacy
9. Demonstrate professional dispositions when interacting with students, colleagues, administrators, and members of the community.
10. Participate in various professional organizations and attend workshops, seminars, and/or conferences at the regional, district, and national levels
11. Gain employment in Special Education at the Pk-12 levels