What is special about Special Education at ECU? Overview of program leading to an exciting and rewarding career for those who are interested in teaching K-12 students with disabilities
What is Special Education? Access to Instruction ▪Provides services and individualized instruction to meet unique needs of students with disabilities ▪To ensure that all students participate meaningfully and successfully in education ▪ Achieve academically, functionally, and socially in the general or adapted curriculum.
What is Special Education? A Service – Not a Place ▪ Services, supports, and instruction determined by Individualized Education Program (IEP)
▪ Least Restrictive Environment: Most students with disabilities are taught in a general education classroom in a neighborhood school ▪ Small number of students are provided services in separate settings for part or all of the day
What Roles Can You Choose? • Co-Teacher with General Educator • Resource Teacher, General Curriculum • Inclusion Support Specialist • Specialized Teacher for small group of students • All of the above!
Which Program Is Right for You? Bachelor of Science, Initial Licensure • SPED – General Curriculum – High Incidence(e.g., LD, BED, ID)– HS diploma – Reading License – Elementary Education courses
• SPED – Adapted Curriculum – Low Incidence – functional, extended cur. • Significant cognitive or physical disabilities
Which Program Is Right for You? • State Employees Credit Union (SECU)Partnership East – Community College partnership leads to initial license, GC + Reading – Part-time students complete program in 4.5 years – ECU courses offered on-line
Why Special Education at ECU? • Hands-on experiences in various placements throughout the program
• Linked methods and practicum courses • Authentic assignments related to classroom tasks • Scholarship opportunities • Graduates are highly qualified in SPED K12 and as teacher-of-record across K6 content areas • High employment rate of graduates and...
Student Council for Exceptional Children – Opportunities for Fellowship, Service, and Personal / Professional Growth – Campus & Community Projects – State and National Conferences
Irene Howell Assistive Technology Center – Teach candidates about AT services and devices – Professional development infused in SPED courses – Interact with and create educational materials
Learn more about the Special Education Program http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/sefr/sped/index.cfm CONTACT Dr. Kathi Wilhite, Interim Chair Department of SPED, Foundations, & Research wilhitek@ecu.edu Dr. Laura King, Associate Chair Special Education Program kinglau@ecu.edu