This course focuses on teaching reading in elementary and secondary settings. The course consists of three hours of instruction and a zero-credit one-hour lab each week. Students will be required to tutor a child in reading under the supervision of the instructor as part of the lab.

This course examines how to develop effective communication models with education professionals, community leaders, and families. Instructor-guided fieldwork is required.

This course examines formal and informal assessments for diverse learners and its application to writing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), other educational accommodations, curriculum modifications (academic and social), behavioral management plans and reports to families. Assessment bias and its implications will be studied.

This course examines the use of proactive and responsive practices to support social, emotional, and educational well-being of students. Trauma-informed practices and the recognition of social, emotional, and behavioral reactions to trauma that may impact a student’s academic growth and development will be addressed.

This online course is designed to provide an overview of the legal rights of students with identified disabilities and their families. The individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its implication for educators will be emphasized.

Students will enhance their knowledge of literacy and literacy learning, particularly as it applies to recognizing, understanding, and working with reading and writing difficulties. Students’ work with children experiencing reading difficulties will frame class discussions of current research.

Surveys the characteristics of exceptional students (P-12) and explores methods and materials for teaching and assessing such students. This course also examines the historical and legal treatment, identification, classification, and unique cognitive and social/emotional characteristics of individuals requiring mild intervention in school settings.

This course examines and demonstrates basic modifications and adaptations used in teaching and assessing exceptional students needing mild intervention.  It also includes techniques in communication and collaboration with parents and professionals.  Evidence-based strategies for working with exceptional learners P-12 are addressed.

NOTE: Involves intensive supervision

This course emphasizes knowledge, dispositions, and performances regarding essential competencies as indicated in the CEC standards. This will be accomplished by selecting and explaining products from students, parents, self, and the professional community as students build a professional portfolio of CEC Standards. Guided professional experiences in special education include observations, teaching, and other professional activities that assure competency of the CEC standards required to teach exceptional children needing mild intervention.

This course emphasizes knowledge, dispositions, and performances regarding essential competencies as indicated in the CEC standards. This will be accomplished by selecting and explaining products from students, parents, self, and the professional community as students build a professional portfolio of CEC Standards. Guided professional experiences in special education include observations, teaching, and other professional activities that assure competency of the CEC standards required to teach exceptional children needing mild intervention.

To apply, candidates should submit the following:

• Butler Application
• Personal Statement that explains your interest in becoming a special educator (500-word max)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
  • Earned a degree
  • Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
  • Completed courses for which candidates are applying for transfer credit
• Current Résumé that includes any experience working or volunteering in P-12 schools (number of years, grade levels, position descriptions), as well as experience working or volunteering with people who have exceptionalities.

Tuition for the Alternative Special Education-Mild Intervention Certificate program is $435 per credit hour. The program also has a $59 fee for GoReact software. Both program tracks are eligible for I-SEAL funding, and the 24-credit track is eligible for a $10,000 scholarship for students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years.