Elementary Education (BA) / Special Education

This course gives students an overview of American education through analysis of its historical and philosophical roots Contemporary issues in American education are emphasized Non education majors may use this course as a social science elective

This basic course for classroom teachers explores various techniques necessary for designing and implementing authentic measures to assess successful student learning

This course develops students knowledge and skill with technology with the ultimate aim of using technology to enhance student learning and achievement This course also introduces students to learning target standards outcomes and a general model of curriculum development implementation and assessment Offered every fall and spring

This course offers an interpretive and critical study of literature that is appropriate for children from preschool through the eighth grade The course will focus on the various literary genres elements of fiction authors and illustrators

This course will introduce students to classroom structures that support differentiated instruction and other research based approaches for effective teaching Topics include lesson planning and reflection state standards and grade level expectations small group and whole group instruction and assessment tools and strategies

This course is a study of mathematics taught in grades K 6 and the current methods for teaching this content Extensive experience with manipulative materials is provided Field experiences are required TCP acceptance is required

The course will examine several major theoretical perspectives on literacy development from K through 4th grade Students will explore and create literacy environments that encourage the development of reading writing listening and speaking in the early elementary classroom Students will also learn a variety of effective strategies for the instruction and assessment of reading and writing in the early elementary classroom Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and with special needs will be integrated into the course content TCP acceptance and junior standing or permission of instructor

In this course students study effective practices that support the development of reading comprehension and writing strategies for accessing information across content area subjects in grades 4 8 The course focuses on the strategies that enable students read and write about non fiction Students will also examine ways to address the particular needs of students with diverse language cultural and learning requirements using the applications of strategic reading and writing TCP acceptance is required

This course focuses on the attributes of struggling readers and writers on diagnosing difficulties and developing literacy intervention plans Students do a case study by performing a literacy diagnosis of one struggling student developing an intervention plan and beginning its implementation TCP acceptance is required

This course applies developmental theory to the construction of curriculum and explores methods for teaching health and science Students focus on preparing developmentally appropriate experiences that promote investigation problem solving and exploration Methods of instruction and assessment are practiced Attention will be given to designing constructivist lesson and unit plans that align with science literacy standards TCP acceptance is required

This course will explore developmentally appropriate strategies for incorporating movement music drama and the visual arts with the content processes and attitudes of social studies Curriculum content materials instructional strategies and organizational techniques for integrating social studies and fine arts in early childhood and elementary grades will be addressed TCP acceptance is required

This course will examine processes for differentiating instruction to maximize learning by creating different learning experiences in response to students varied needs Special Education English Learners and cultural and linguistic diversity will be covered TCP acceptance is required

All teacher education majors seeking certification will participate in 16 weeks of full time practice teaching at nearby schools During the 16 weeks the student teacher receives close and continuous supervision and guidance from teaching personnel at the school and by a member of the Southern New Hampshire University faculty This course also includes seminars at the university TCP acceptance is required

Students in this course study physical and psychological development from the prenatal period to death Patterns of human development also are considered Offered every year

This course will explore types of disabilities developmental delays and exceptionalities as well as the effects of disabling conditions on cognitive physical language social and emotional development and functioning of children birth to grade 3 Additional topics include the identification and evaluation of children with exceptional learning needs as well as instructional methodology and strategies for selecting and modifying materials and equipment to provide differentiated instruction that addresses and accommodates individual strengths and challenges Legal requirements and responsibilities for providing education to students with special needs will be addressed Students will become familiar with the purposes and procedures for developing and implementing Individual Education Plans IEPs 504s and Individualized Family Service Plans IFSPs

Students will examine the personal physical social and academic issues related to programming for children with disabilities An emphasis is placed on practical aspects of behaviors associated with a child s disability and the importance of the classroom environment This course also addresses the history of Special Education as well as current trends and research This is the foundation course for certification or licensure as a General Special Education Teacher Grades K 12 Federal and state legislation will be reviewed as well as the NH State Standards for Children with disabilities and include the Individuals with Disabilities Act as it relates to the Elementary Secondary Education Act ESEA reauthorized as No Child Left Behind NCLB the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA including title II of the ADA and section 504 and The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973 as amended

This course provides students with deep understanding of children with disabilities and specific characteristics of disabilities and how they impact learning in the general curriculum Students will examine and be prepared to define ways in which such disabilities are diagnosed and possible strategies and techniques to include assistive technology to assist the student in the general classroom to the extent possible Tiered Support Systems will be discussed as a general education initiative that can serve the needs of all students Students will research resources available for families and schools to support the needs of disabled children The role of the family and school as partners will be developed as a critical technique to serve the needs of students as well as facilitating effective meetings and communication efforts that must be part of the role of special educator

This course presents the IEP process from referral to completion Student will be expected to clearly define roles and responsibilities within the school for the special education teacher the general education teacher paraprofessionals and other personnel within the school Additionally students will examine and develop a process to meaningfully engage parents in the process preschool through age 21 TCP acceptance is required

This course examines teaching strategies and techniques for early childhood elementary education middle school and high school Students will conduct in depth study of behavior theory and practical application in the classroom environment Students will learn to promote learning environments where students can set goals and accept responsibility for their own learning Modification and accommodations will be researched at each level discussing the best approaches depending upon the age of the child Alignment with the regular education curriculum includes a review of the Grade Level Expectations and the Grade Span Expectations and Common Core Standards Students will leave this class with a good understanding of the progression and development of students with disabilities K 12 personally socially physically and academically TCP acceptance is required

This course focuses on formative and summative assessments used within the general education classroom as well as specialized assessments and observations for children with disabilities Students will complete this course with an understanding of assessment terminology test interpretation and implications regarding access to the general education curriculum TCP acceptance is required