Special Education, BSE

The special education program is the academic home to many students who enjoy working with children, and especially children with disabilities. Special education graduates enter a high-need field with an almost 100% job placement rate after graduation. Employment opportunities are available all across the country.The special education teacher certification program prepares educators to serve as resources and advocates for persons with disabilities and their families. This includes being a leader, collaborating with others, and working creatively within and outside the schools to create inclusive educational experiences to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.The special education program prepares students to work effectively across disability categories including intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The program emphasizes course work and experiences in elementary, middle, and high schools with students who have a wide range of abilities, including students with severe disabilities. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Special Education and are eligible to apply for a Wisconsin cross-categorical Special Education license at the Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence level (ages 6-12/13), and also at the Early Adolescence through Adolescence level (ages 10-21).The Special Education program emphasizes coursework in areas including:

• Assessing learning needs in all core academic areas
• Creating individualized education plans
• Implementing instructional strategies for helping students with a variety or abilities succeed
• Using assistive technology
• Understanding behavior and intervention strategies for social and academic success
• Diversity issues in special education
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other school professionals to create successful inclusive learning environments

Students learn about these topics through a four-semester sequence of coursework, practicum experiences, and student teaching experiences in elementary, middle, and high schools.Visit the departmental website for more information about the undergraduate program options in Special Education.

Elementary Education And Special Education Dual Major Certification Program

Students interested in Special Education may want to consider another program option that certifies students in both Elementary Education and Special Education. The job placement rate for students graduating from this program is almost 100%. Employment opportunities are available all across the country. The Elementary-Special Education teacher certification program prepares educators who foster high academic achievement in all children - particularly learners from diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities. The program helps students become leaders who collaborate and work creatively within and outside schools to foster inclusive educational experiences for all pupils, including those with disabilities. Program graduates understand the important role that families play in supporting students’ development and achievement.This program emphasizes collaboration, with training in both Elementary and Special Education methodologies. It focuses on inclusion and gaining a strong background in working with students across disability categories, including learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and other high incidence disabilities.Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to apply for both a Wisconsin Elementary Education license at the Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence level (ages 6-12/13), and a cross-categorical Special Education license at the Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence level.The Elementary Education-Special Education program emphasizes course work in areas including:

• Recognizing how our backgrounds and experiences shape thinking and actions; reflecting and adapting to best serve students
• Assessing learning needs in all core academic areas
• Creating individualized education plans
• Understanding behavior and intervention strategies for social and academic success
• Diversity and social justice in education
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other school professionals to create successful inclusive learning environments

Students learn about these topics through a four-semester sequence of course work, practicum experiences and student teaching experiences in elementary and middle schools. The sequence begins in the fall after program admission.Information about requirements and application procedures for the Elementary-Special Education dual teacher certification program is available in the Elementary Education section of the Guide. The RP & SE departmental website can also provide for more information about the two undergraduate program options in Special Education.