Siena Heights University
managing both formal and informal meetings and conferences with parents of children with disabilities. Graduate
students locate and assess local services for parents of children with disabilities. Ten (10) hours of field
experience with parents or guardians of children with disabilities are required.
Prerequisite: SED 612 or equivalent
SED 543
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF STUDNETS WITH DISABILITIES
3
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the role assessment plays in the field of special
education. The focus is on selection, administration, and interpretation of instruments as they relate to program
design and implementation. Included is a study of assessment instruments used by school psychologists and
special education teachers. The Michigan assessment programs are discussed and reviewed for the implications
for special education. In addition, test construction and test adaptation for a diverse population are presented.
Alternative assessments are discussed in detail. Ten (10) hours of face-to-face administration of assessment
instruments are required.
Prerequisite: SED 612 or equivalent
SED 544
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
3
Typical and atypical development of young children (ages 0-8) is examined. Family centered and developmentally
appropriate early intervention strategies in home, school, and specialized environments, as well as inclusion
programs serving children with developmental delays and disabilities, are addressed. Curriculum models that
facilitate the cognitive/language, social, emotional, physical, and self-help skills of children with disabilities in
preschools and early elementary school are examined. Twenty (20) hours of field experience in a special needs
or inclusion program are required.
Prerequisite: TED 612 or equivalent
SED 545
COLLABORATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
4
This course equips graduate students with the skills of collaboration with professionals, parents, students, and
friends. A variety of models of collaboration are examined for usage and matching to the appropriate situation.
Competencies in collaboration are developed, implemented, and evaluated. Candidates have the opportunity to
rehearse models of collaboration. In addition, the graduate students are required to instruct others in appropriate
collaboration.
Co-requisite: SED 580/680 or SED 595/695
SED 549
CULTURE AND DIVERSITY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
1
This course is designed to provide an experience of working with students with disabilities in an urban setting.
The candidates are introduced to the impact of an urban setting on disabilities. Differences in the cultural
definitions of various disabilities are studied. The quality and quantity of resources in an urban setting are
examined and analyzed. Forty (40) clock hours of field experience in an urban setting are required. Activities such
as journal writing and interviewing school personnel are required.
Prerequisite: TED 512 or equivalent
SED 551
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
2
This course is designed to provide the graduate student with a foundation in the psychological impact of a
disability on the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social, and linguistic development of students. In addition,
potential behavioral expressions are examined. Graduate students learn techniques and strategies for managing
behavior, for pre-school through young adult students. Emphasis is placed on positive behavioral supports. The
graduate students also learn methods for teaching students’ self-management. Ten (10) hours of field experience
are required.
SED 561
INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING DISABILITIES
3
This course provides theories and strategies in the area of learning disabilities, with attention being given to the
history and legal aspects of this field. A variety of research-based models are discussed in relation to the
development of educational programs. The impact of a learning disability on the social and emotional
development of a student is explored in detail. Aspects of receiving services, including the continuum of services,
as well as community services, are discussed. Thirty (30) clock hours in a setting with children with learning
disabilities are required.
Prerequisite: SED 512 or equivalent
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2016-2018
339