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Saint Xavier University Chicago Campus Residence Halls

Special Education Courses


Prerequisite/Corequisite Key

P = Course must be taken previously C = Course must be taken concurrently E = Course can be taken previously or concurrently
(RQ) = Required (RM) = Recommended  

EDUSP 320

Characteristics and Diversity of Students With Disabilities

3 credit hours

This course provides a study of disabilities, in individuals from preschool to age 22, as well as etiologies and medical conditions and the impact of disabilities on development, learning, and communication processes. The characteristics, learning needs, family needs, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, community integration, and vocational options are explored. 15 field experience hours.

EDUSP 321

Foundations of Special Education

3 credit hours

This course provides a study of philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education. Candidates investigate the service delivery models, court cases, legislation, advocacy, and self-determination of students with disabilities. 5 field experience hours.

EDUSP 322

Adaptations, Accommodations, and Assistive Technology

3 credit hours

This course provides investigation and development of adaptations for instruction, communication, and assessment for students with disabilities, and interaction with their families, paraprofessionals, colleagues, community members, and other service agencies. Candidates develop accommodations of multiple curriculum areas across the age range from K to age 22. 15 field experience hours.

EDUSP 324

Psychoeducational Assessment

3 credit hours

P: EDUSP-320

This course includes theoretical and practical study of the instruments and processes used for nondiscriminatory evaluation of students with disabilities in the areas of academic, social, and vocational function. Analysis of test construction, considerations of legal and ethical issues in the administration of specified tests and the interpretation of various scores, and Illinois Alternative Assessment are also discussed in this course. 10 field experience hours.

EDUSP 325

Methods for Teaching Students With Disabilities

3 credit hours

P: EDUSP-324

This course provides an examination and implementation of research-based effective strategies and materials for teaching students with disabilities from K to age 22 in the areas of academic, social and vocational function. Emphasis is on transfer and generalization in inclusive settings, including physical and academic prompts and adaptations. Focus is also on IEP development, responsive to Illinois learning standards and aligned with assessments, and inclusive of progress monitoring. 15 field experience hours.

EDUSP 326

Behavior Management

3 credit hours

This course explores behavior management of classrooms as a three-dimensional construct, including prevention of misbehavior through effective instructional design, addressing inappropriate behavior through effective management techniques, and decreasing inappropriate behavior through effective positive behavior support plans. Recognition of age-appropriate and developmental needs of typical and atypical students serves as a foundation. 10 field experience hours.