Developmental Disabilities License

With our Developmental Disabilities License, you’ll become adept at implementing and adapting evidence-based instruction methods that will meet the needs of your students with developmental cognitive disabilities and help them succeed. 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

• 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

• Foundations of Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities (SPED661)

  Examination of the historical, legal, and philosophical foundations of educating students with developmental cognitive disabilities. Survey of etiology and characteristics of students, definitions and identification, assessment, and current issues related to disabilities. Integration of personal faith, reflection, vision, and professional development practices to improve service to students and families.

  2 credits

• Instruction and Intervention for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (SPED667)

  Assessment procedures for developmental cognitive disabilities. Assessment selection for data-based, educational decision-making for students with developmental cognitive disabilities/intellectual disabilities. Application of effective education planning and strategies to support improved student outcomes in the areas of social skills, academics, motor skills, communication, self-care, and home and community skills. Collection of professional resources.

  4 credits

• Supporting Students with Intellectual Disabilities Across Systems and Field Experience (SPED669)

  Exploration of how the case manager of students with intellectual disabilities and the special education process can leverage comprehensive systems, agencies, and people within and outside of schools to contribute to positive outcomes for students with complex needs. SP: This course includes a 35-hour field experience in a K-12 setting.

  4 credits

• DD: Student Teaching (SPED774)

  Evaluates students with mild–moderate–severe developmental cognitive disabilities. Collaboratively analyzes assessment results and creates IEPs. Designs and implements appropriate interventions. Analyzes personal and spiritual growth as a special education professional. Completes 12 consecutive weeks in a K–12 setting.

  5 credits

  Corequisite Course: SPED770;SPED771;SPED773;TEAC751

• DD: Practicum (SPED779)

  Implementation of procedures necessary to incorporate interventions and IEPs for students with developmental cognitive disabilities using engaging resources. Management of timelines, responsibilities, and consultation with parents, school and community professionals. Analysis of personal and professional growth as a special educator (80 required hours in a special education school setting). FE: DD practicum fee: $100, out-of-region fee: $100, out-of-state fee: varies.

  3 credits

• 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