Academic Behavioral Strategist License

In our Academic Behavioral Strategist License program, you’ll be prepared to serve K-12 students in a variety of mild to moderate disability categories, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Other Health Disabilities, and Developmental Cognitive Disabilities. You’ll be equipped to work in resource rooms and inclusive K-12 settings within public schools.

If you're not already a licensed teacher, you will have to complete the Standards of Effective Practice concentration, which meets the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, a requirement for every Tier 3 and Tier 4 K-12 licensed teacher in Minnesota.

Total credits

37

Finish in as few as

18-28 months

Courses

• Instructional Strategies for Students with Mild-Moderate Disabilities (SPED618)

  Interprets student performance data, differentiates instruction for diverse needs, and applies evidence-based practices for students with mild–moderate disabilities. Creates positive learning environments and explores connections between faith and K-12 special education. Develops skills to locate, evaluate, summarize, and cite scholarly research in APA style to inform practice.

  4 credits

• Characteristics of Mild-Moderate Disabilities (ABS) (SPED633)

  Exploration of the five disability categories represented under Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS). Identification of strategies that support stakeholders of children with mild-moderate needs. Explanation of topics that form the basis for special education practice for students with mild-moderate disabilities.

  4 credits

• Responsive Instruction, Intervention, and Assessment (ABS) (SPED635)

  Identifies assessment measures for instructional decisions, professional organizations, and historical educational contexts. Interprets assessment data, designs instruction and modifications, and analyzes progress monitoring results. Communicates students’ assessment outcomes clearly to stakeholders. Identifies cultural and linguistic impacts on special education.

  2 credits

• Intro to Behavioral Methods & Mental Health for Mild-Mod Special Needs (ABS, EBD) & Field Experience (SPED639)

  Introduction to behavior methods and mental health for students with mild/moderate needs. Interventions for K-12 students with mental health and behavioral needs. Impact of mental health and behavioral labels/diagnoses within K-12 education. Identification of roles of professionals within and outside the school related to mental health.

  4 credits

• Classroom-based Assessment and Field Experience (SPED655)

  Description of legal, professional, and ethical standards in assessment related to informal assessment measures and environmental factors influencing student achievement and behavior. Description of student’s learning style, strengths, and analysis of behavior based on observations and assessment data. Identification of the influence diversity, age and gender have on assessment.

  4 credits

• ABS: Student Teaching (SPED770)

  5 credits

  Corequisite Course: SPED771;SPED773;SPED774;TEAC751

• SPED Practicum for Teachers of Other Licenses (SPED782)

  Implementation of procedures necessary to incorporate referral, assessment, evaluation, IEPs, and interventions for students with disabilities in a specific license area. Management of timelines and responsibilities including consultation with parents, school and community professionals. Development of strategies for efficacy and engaging resources. Analysis of personal and professional growth as a special educator.

  3 credits

• Foundations of Education (TEAC521)

  Introduction to the teaching profession and focus on influences shaping education. History, philosophy, psychology, sociology, legal matters, reform, and other current education issues. Student mental health and impact of chemicals in student lives, families, and schools. Personal growth planning, collaboration, and connection between professional responsibilities and personal faith and values.

  2 credits

• Educational Psychology (TEAC524)

  Identifies approaches to K–12 student development, learning, and performance and structures effective learning environments. Explores language acquisition, cultural influences, early assessment theory, and current issues. Examines learning and behavior theories that inform instruction and integrates Christian or personal faith perspectives on learning.

  4 credits

• General Methods of Instruction (TEAC526)

  Develops effective lesson and long-range plans, assessments, and evaluations. Designs lessons that integrate diverse instructional strategies and leverage student assets, including language and culture. Examines appropriate data practices for student assessment and progress. Plans opportunities using culturally responsive practices to engage all students, especially multilingual learners and historically marginalized populations.

  4 credits

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (TEAC528)

  Identifies various groups in American communities and develops skills for culturally affirming communication and collaboration. Examines Minnesota-based American Tribal Nations and communities. Analyzes how biases, discrimination, prejudice, racism, and sexism affect student learning and personal identity. Recognizes the impact of school environments and practices on equitable education delivery.

  4 credits

• School-Wide Systems Field Experience (TEAC595)

  Supervised observation in K-12 inclusive education setting. Analysis of students, classroom environments, and related cultural factors. Development of a personal standard for effective teaching. Implementation of effective lesson plans. Impact of personal faith on the special education teacher role.

  1 credits

• Student Teaching Seminar (TEAC751)

  Analysis of the impact communication and teaching practices have on student learning. Consideration of the learner’s needs while aligning an instructional plan to help ensure student success. Application of appropriate academic language related to lesson planning, instruction, and assessment in the K-12 environment.

  1 credits

  Corequisite Course: SPED770;SPED771;SPED773;SPED774

Select one from:

• Academic Behavioral Strategist: Practicum (SPED786)

  Implements referral, assessment, evaluation, IEPs, and interventions for students with mild–moderate disabilities using engaging resources. Manages timelines, responsibilities, and consultation with parents, school, and community professionals. Develops and analyzes personal and professional growth and efficacy as a special educator. Completes 6 consecutive weeks.

  3 credits