special education teacher kansas

Special Education Guide

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Kansas

Special education in kansas.

Kansas’s special education services earn the U.S. Department of Education’s highest mark of “Meets Requirements,” according to Education Week . The Kansas State Snapshot on the ED.gov website indicates that 14 percent of students in Kansas have disabilities, one percent higher than the national average, and the state employs over 4,000 special educators to work in its 293 districts. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) oversees all policies for the public school system, while its Special Education Services team provides information regarding the state’s public special education services.

Licensure Requirements

For undergraduates, for graduates, teaching licenses issued in kansas, reciprocity, special education degrees in kansas.

U.S. News & World Report named the graduate program in special education at the University of Kansas (KU) the number two program of its kind in the nation, and the number one public program in this area. In addition, the cost per credit for this program is 50 to 75 percent less expensive (depending upon your Kansas residency status) than the top-ranked program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The KU Department of Special Education offers a range of programs for both new and experienced special educators. At the undergraduate level, KU’s Unified Early Childhood course of study prepares students to work in special and general education settings for children ages 0 to 8. Graduate degrees awarded include master’s degrees in Early Childhood Unified, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Low Incidence Disabilities (Functional), High Incidence Disabilities (Adaptive) and Secondary Special Ed Transition (a fully online program); KU also offers a special education doctorate program.

For profiles of all the schools in Kansas that offer master’s in special education programs, click here .

Special Education Teacher Groups in Kansas

• KNEA , the state teacher’s union, is open to teachers, administrators, retired teachers and teachers in training, and is involved in advocacy work.
• The Kansas Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) interprets special education policy at the state level. Members include people with disabilities, their families, representatives from state special services agencies and other stakeholders in the community.
• The American Federation of Teachers-Kansas focuses on national and regional policy of interest to Kansas educators.

Alternatives to Certification

KSDE offers the Restricted Teaching License Alternative Pathway for mid-career professionals who have undergraduate or graduate degrees in content areas they would like to teach. Qualified candidates receive a restricted license and can enter Kansas public school classrooms immediately. While teaching with the restricted license, they must complete teacher preparation coursework that qualifies them for full licensure.

Special Education Jobs in Kansas

Public schools, private schools, other programs, professional development.

The Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) provides ongoing training opportunities for students, educators, psychologists and others involved in the special education community. The Kansas National Education Association has a roster of events, conferences and trainings of interest to general and special educators.

Blogs by Kansas Special Educators

• Kansas Special Education Advocate : Navigating IEP meetings, exploring Kansas special education policy changes and working with special educators in the Kansas school system are the topics of this blog.
• SPEDEXPRESS : While not officially a blog, this KSDE Special Education Department message board connects the Kansas public special education community. You can subscribe to receive updates or browse the archives.

2024-25 Academic Catalog

Department of special education, special education graduate programs.

The Department of Special Education offers campus-based and online graduate programs for students interested in teaching, research, and professional service related to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with low and high incidence disabilities and their families. Since the 1970s, the department’s master’s and doctoral programs have received national and international recognition. The faculty is known for its leadership to the field, and commitment to high-quality, inclusive learning and development opportunities for children and youth low and high incidence disabilities, innovative field-based research, and preparation of highly effective educators, researchers, faculty preparing educators, and policy specialists. The annual U.S. News and World Report's graduate program survey consistently ranks KU at the top when compared to more than 200 graduate programs in this field. As one of the most comprehensive special educator preparation programs in the country, the department attracts students from many states and countries.

Programs Offered

In Kansas to become a special education teacher in high or low incidence disability, one must first obtain an initial teaching license in: Early Childhood Unified, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education

Students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.

This course provides information on issues and practices related to working together in partnership with families of young children including those who have a young child with special needs. Emphasis will be placed on taking a family systems prospective and a family-centered approach to family support. Strategies for effective communication for the purpose of information sharing and collaborative planning with families are provided. Relevant current scientifically based evidence will be reviewed and discussed pertaining to these topics.

This course is designed for general education teacher trainees. It will provide them information about students with disabilities that they will have in their classrooms and the law governing special education and its implications for them as general educators. The course will address Individualized Educational Plans that are developed for students with disabilities and how general educators contribute to these plans. Students will learn about planning instruction that is differentiated to meet various learner needs, universal design principles and instructional tools, providing meaningful access to general education classrooms and curriculum for students with disabilities and designing and delivering appropriate accommodations and modifications to assist student learning. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

This course focuses on effective, efficient strategies for delivering inclusive educational opportunities for students with significant support needs. Educator candidates will learn to structure, manage, teach and support social and emotional well-being for students with significant support needs. In this course, students will learn about systematic assessment and instructional procedures designed to meet students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Prerequisite: SPED 326 .

This course addresses the use of technology to explore complex real world problems that impact an inclusive society. The course introduces and provides indepth information of education frameworks including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Students will engage in applying UDL and other support frameworks in content-based learning environments. These experiences will integrate "problem-based learning" (PBL) to understand disciplinary knowledge, solve problems, and develop skills in instruction with technology solutions being an integral component.

This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of early education including early childhood education and early childhood special education. The historical, philosophical, research- base, policy and legal foundations for the field are discussed to provide the students with the knowledge to become an advocate for early learning opportunities (birth through grade 3) for all children and their families.

The purpose of the professional learning seminars is to collaboratively engage KU students, KU faculty, and school professionals in a continuous seminar that focuses on important issues that our KU students face in the schools. We will critically examine instructional practices, learning in real-world contexts, and analyze teaching and learning from multiple perspectives including the ethical conduct of professional teachers who make decisions each day that affect the lives of children and their families.

A supervised student teaching experience leading to initial teaching licensure in Kansas Unified Early Childhood (birth through grade 3). The student assumes the professional role as a teacher in an approved inclusive early childhood infant/toddler or preschool. Prerequisite: Admission to the Unified Early Childhood program. Approved application of intent to student teach.

This course focuses on the development of foundational skills for planning, implementing, and assessing reading and literacy development for students with disabilities served in general education settings. Learning will focus on skills and dispositions to effectively plan with educational practitioners (general education, related services, paraprofessionals), to design curricular and instructional strategies to support and deliver high quality reading and literacy instruction to students with disabilities. The course will focus on how, as a teacher, one participates in tiered support systems and facilitates/provides appropriately focused and intensive literacy instruction. Prerequisite: SPED 326 , SPED 327 , SPED 328 .

This course focuses on the development of foundational skills for planning, implementing, and assessing reading and literacy development for students with disabilities served in general education settings with a focus on the "reading to learn" skills of vocabulary development, and comprehension in various content domains and texts. Learning will focus on skills and dispositions to effectively plan with educational practitioners (general education, related services, paraprofessionals), to design curricular and instructional strategies to support and deliver high quality reading and literacy instruction to students with disabilities. Prerequisite: SPED 326 , SPED 327 , SPED 328 , SPED 440 .

This course focuses on the development of foundational skills for planning, implementing, and assessing math, science, and social studies knowledge and skills for students with IEPs. The course will emphasize many of the "behind-the-scenes" strategies and activities that must be completed regularly and frequently with teaching colleagues to make progress in these three content areas possible for all elementary students. Prerequisite: SPED 326 , SPED 327 , SPED 328 .

This course focuses on effective, efficient strategies for setting up and monitoring classroom management practices for ALL students. In this course, students will learn about tiered systems of supports designed to meet students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. They will learn about the importance of designing positive behavioral interventions and supports based on the values and cultures of the community, with strong involvement from diverse families and community members. Prerequisite: SPED 326 , SPED 327 , SPED 328 .

This course focuses on the development of foundational skills for classroom assessment. It includes planning for student learning, assessing student progress, communicating with students and families to track learning over time, and planning with colleagues to address learning needs and challenges that may emerge from progress monitoring.

The primary purpose of the professional learning seminars is to collaboratively engage KU students, KU faculty, and early childhood professionals in a continuous seminar that focuses on important issues that our KU students face in the ECE (birth - grade 3) programs. We will critically examine instructional practices that support all young learners belonging and success, learning in real-world contexts, and analyze teaching and learning from multiple perspectives including the philosophical and psychological. The professional learning seminars are designed around key features of effective professional learning communities and sustained professional development for early childhood educators. Features include supportive, collaborative learning, shared personal and professional practice, and collective inquiry of teaching and learning. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required.

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students of any major to important theoretical and practical concepts regarding special education, disability, and diversity. Successful completion of this course fulfills one requirement for the School of Education minor in Education.

A supervised field experience leading to initial teaching licensure in Elementary Education Unified (K-6). The teacher candidate assumes the total professional role as a teacher serving students with high incidence disabilities and low incidence disabilities in inclusive elementary classrooms and in support settings. Prerequisite: Admission to EEU program, completion of EEU program courses with B or better/enrollment in final semester of program, approved application of intent to complete internship.

This course meets in conjunction with student teaching and includes assigned readings, participation, and writing. The seminar provides opportunities for candidates to discuss their transition from their role as an aspiring early educator to a career in early childhood education within birth to grade 3 community and public-school settings serving young children and their families. Candidates will engage instructional planning, implementation, and outcome assessment including reflection on their own successes and challenges as they move to becoming a qualified reflective early childhood educator. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program is required.

Only one enrollment permitted each semester, a maximum of four hours will apply toward a bachelor's degree. Prerequisite: Recommendation of advisor and consent of instructor.

This course will cover the development of American Sign Language and its application within the Deaf Community. It is based on the functional-notational approach to learning sign language. This approach organizes language around communicative purposes of everyday interaction.

This is the second level course in American Sign Language and its application within the Deaf Community. It is based on the functional-notational approach to learning sign language. This approach organizes language around communicative purposes of everyday interaction. Prerequisite: SPED 501 .

This is the third level course in American Sign Language. The primary objective of the American Sign Language III "Signing Naturally" Level 2 curriculum is for students to continue using the two basic language skills: visual listening and signing. Prerequisite: SPED 502 .

This is the fourth level course in American Sign Language. The primary objective of the American Sign Language IV "Signing Naturally" Level 3 curriculum is for students to continue using the two basic language skills -- visual listening and signing. Prerequisite: SPED 503 .

This course is designed to enable novice teachers to master and apply the instructional and communicative skills that will facilitate appropriate and productive inclusion of children and youth with exceptionalities within general education classrooms and other school settings. Specific research-based strategies in curriculum content acquisition (content enhancements, learning strategies, classwide-peer tutoring), and specific research-based strategies in behavior management will be learned and applied to real teaching experiences. Novice teachers will learn about collaborative structures found in schools to support student learning in general education settings (co-teaching, collaborative consultation, teacher/student support teams) and roles and responsibilities of teachers within these structures. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

This course is designed to provide novice teachers with the instructional, communicative skills, and design skills necessary to facilitate appropriate and productive inclusion of adolescent-age students with disabilities and other diverse learning needs. Specific research-based strategies in curriculum content acquisition and in behavior management will be learned and applied. Furthermore, teachers will learn how to apply design-based skills to develop appropriate accommodations or modifications to curriculum, instruction, and outcomes as directed by an IEP. Teachers will learn about collaborative structures found in schools to support student learning in general education settings and the roles and responsibilities of teachers within these structures. Students will be introduced to key concepts in transition planning and self-determination for students with disabilities as they prepare to enter the adult world. An outcome of this class will result in students being able to understand and use evidence-based strategies, Universal Design for Learning, and design appropriate measures of progress for ALL learners in both brick and mortar as well as digital settings. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

This course examines current principles and inclusive practices for learners with significant disabilities. The course will focus on the extant research base concerning inclusive practices, characteristics of learners with low-incidence disabilities, and instructional strategies. Prerequisite: SPED 326 or equivalent.

This course will provide in depth learning experiences targeting literacy; both reading and writing. Students will learn about assessment tools and assessment systems used in tiered support frameworks to determine the required intensity of literacy support and instruction needed by children/adolescents with adaptive special education needs, and will learn about evidence-based instructional approaches and curriculum developed for students with disabilities and struggling students in general. The course is intended for persons working toward the Kansas teaching license in teaching students needing an adapted curriculum. Prerequisite: SPED 730 , admittance into the Adaptive program in the Department of Special Education, or permission of the instructor.

This course prepares teacher candidates to assess students with disabilities using formal and informal measures, to use assessment information to develop a strengths-based inclusive Individual Education Program (IEP), to design instruction related to IEP goals and state standards, and to evaluate the effectiveness of that instruction using progress-monitoring techniques. Prerequisite: SPED 326 .

Students in this course will learn to design, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula and programs for children from birth through kindergarten. Issues of curriculum design and assessment are introduced as interrelated processes that include structuring learning environments and experiences that are responsive to children's interests and abilities. Students analyze and evaluate curriculum that focuses on the five developmental domains a) social emotional development; b) cognitive development; c) language and communication development; d) adaptive behavior development; and e) gross and fine motor development and in addition the content domains of literacy, science, math, and fine art. Strategies for developing learning opportunities that are appropriate for young children, including children with special needs and children from diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, will be explored. Prerequisite: Admission to School of Education UEC program.

Students in this course will gain knowledge of the causes, and intervention and support approaches for young children with multiple and significant disabilities including neurological impairments, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, significant developmental disabilities and challenging behavior. Emphasis is placed on environmental adaptions and direct instructional techniques to maximize independence as determined through systematic ecological inventories tailored to the individual child's strengths and needs. Information is also provided on assistive technology designed to provide appropriate supports. Functional behavioral assessment procedures, proactive intervention strategies, and developing collaborative support plans will be studied. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Examines the practice of gathering information for the purpose of making individual referral and instructional decisions for infants, toddlers, and young children with and without special needs. Discusses effective informal assessment techniques and emphasizes an ecological approach to gathering information. Introduces standardized assessment and screening instruments and provides an overview of the purposes and limitations of such tests. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Emphasizes curriculum development and early intervention provision for infants and toddlers through the planning of appropriate learning experiences, the design of learning environments, developing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), promoting collaboration among families and the use of various methods of enhancing the child's development across the five (social-emotional, adaptive, cognitive, physical/movement, communication) development domains. The role of the educator/early interventionist in relation to the family and the child is examined. Curriculum resources and intervention strategies for infants and toddlers with special needs are reviewed with emphasis on interdisciplinary planning and implementation. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Provides the opportunity for students to develop and evaluate inclusive environments for young children. This course emphasizes meeting the needs of all young children through an integrated approach to planning, implementing and assessing instruction in all areas; linking assessment information to individualized instruction; developing Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and promoting collaboration among families, schools and communities. Service delivery systems and transitions between early childhood programs are reviewed in relation to curriculum. Curriculum development for early childhood content areas (literacy and language, numeracy, science, social studies, physical education and the arts) and domains (language, social/emotional, physical, and cognitive) will be explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

This supervised field experience is intended to allow the pre-service teacher to apply the knowledge gained in SPED 665 Inclusive Strategies and Intervention for Preschoolers, by working with infants and toddlers in early intervention settings/programs. To be taken concurrently SPED 665 . Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program.

A course designed to provide experiences for students to participate with exceptional children in public schools and/or residential facilities and with professional personnel associated with the lives of exceptional students including special education teachers, child care workers, therapists, etc. Students will have opportunities to participate as aides, tutors, and instructors with individual and small groups of exceptional youth in one or more placements. Through weekly meetings with the instructor students are guided to relate their experiences to the needs and services for exceptional children and youth. Prerequisite: SPED 635 .

Intensive diverse and direct teaching experiences with children and youth with disabilities in educational settings. The course is differentiated from SPED 775 through the amount of scaffolding undergraduate students will receive when demonstrating skill application (e.g., undergraduates report and receive feedback on practicum experiences on a more frequent basis, reduced data collection requirements, more emphasis on cooperating teacher providing guidance, etc.). This practicum is a requirement for provisional endorsement according to KSDE. Students who have completed SPED 675 cannot enroll in SPED 775 within in same curricular area. Prerequisite: SPED 326 .

This is the second level course American Sign Language and its application within the Deaf Community. It is based on the functional-notational approach to learning sign language. This approach organizes language around communicative purposes of everyday interaction. Prerequisite: SPED 701 .

This is the third level course in American Sign Language. The primary objective of the American Sign Language III "Signing Naturally" Level 2 curriculum is for students to continue using the two basic language skills: visual listening and signing. Prerequisite: SPED 702 .

This is the fourth level course in American Sign Language. The primary objective of the American Sign Language IV "Signing Naturally" Level 3 curriculum is for students to continue using the two basic language skills -- visual listening and signing. Prerequisite: SPED 703 .

This course is designed to teach students how to apply behavioral principles in educational settings to support students with low incidence disabilities and complex communication needs in inclusive environments. Specifically, the course emphasizes (a) definition of behavior from a behavioral perspective, (b) measurement strategies including observation, time sampling, and frequency counts, (c) preventative and responsive strategies to address challenging behaviors, including reinforcement, (d) function-based assessment and intervention planning, (e) incorporating behavioral strategies into ongoing instruction, and (f) collaborating with families and other professionals to support prosocial behaviors and address challenging behaviors.

This course provides an overview of current practices in the identification, placement, and education of students with disabilities. This course emphasizes on patterns of social, cognitive, language, and physical development. Social, political, and economic advocacy issues are also addressed. Prerequisite: One course in Child Development.

The course is designed as an introduction to the characteristics, assessment and identification process, and initial instructional and behavioral interventions needed in meeting the needs of students with high-incidence disabilities under the Kansas Adaptive Teacher Education Standards. The needs for specialized services to meet specific learning and/or behavioral needs will be presented. Frameworks for instruction and conceptualizing best practice will be introduced including the principles of Universal Design for Learning and the Multi-Tier System of Support. The role of the educator in identifying, understanding and implementing evidence-based practices is also examined. Curriculum resources and intervention strategies for students with high-incidence disabilities will be introduced with emphasis on tiered planning and implementation. The course is intended for persons working toward the Kansas teaching endorsement in the Special Education Adaptive Area. Prerequisite: Admittance into the Adaptive endorsement teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor.

Students in this course will gain knowledge of the causes, and intervention and support approaches for young children birth through 5 years with significant support needs. These include young learners with multiple and significant disabilities including neurological impairments, physical disabilities, sensory impairments including dual sensory impairments, complex health care needs, significant developmental disabilities and challenging behavior. Emphasis is placed on environmental adaptations and direct instructional techniques to maximize independence as determined through systematic ecological inventories tailored to the individual child's strengths and needs. Information is also provided on assistive technology designed to provide appropriate supports. Functional behavioral assessment procedures, proactive intervention strategies, and developing collaborative support plans will be studied. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor. SPED 752 or its equivalent, SPED 734 or its equivalent, and SPED 755 or its equivalent.

The purpose of this course is to prepare the limited residency license (LRL) eligible teacher with an overview of essential content to be successful as a special education teacher for students with low-incidence disabilities on Day 1 of their teaching position. In this online course, students will receive an overview of core content, working with students with disabilities and preparation for essential job duties that will be covered in more depth during the rest of the program.

Emphasizes curriculum development and early intervention provision for infants and toddlers through the planning of appropriate learning experiences, the design of learning environments, developing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), promoting collaboration among families and the use of various methods of enhancing the child's development across the five (social-emotional, adaptive, cognitive, physical, communication) developmental domains. The role of the educator/early interventionist in relation to the family and the child is examined. Curriculum resources and intervention strategies for infants and toddlers with special needs are reviewed with emphasis on interdisciplinary planning and implementation. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor.

This course explores evidence-based principles and practices of providing early intervention services, including requirements of IDEA Part C, mission and key principles of early intervention and recommended practices and standards. Students will engage in guided field observations of assessment, intervention and collaborative practices, reflective practice and teaming/coaching activities. (Same as SPLH 736 .)

This course explores the challenges infants and toddlers with significant developmental needs face and how to best support their participation in daily activities. Challenges faced by medical, physical, communication, social-emotional, hearing, vision, and mental health issues will be discussed along with how to support these needs across disciplines and in the home and community activities. This course will provide in-depth review of the unique challenges these children and families face and how providers from various backgrounds can work together to best support children and families. Environmental adaptations and direct instructional techniques to maximize independence tailored to the infant and toddler's strengths and needs will be explored. Information is also provided on assistive technology designed to provide supports. Functional behavioral assessment procedures, proactive intervention strategies and psycho-educational approaches as well as the development of collaborative support plans will be studied. (Same as SPLH 737 .)

A supervised field experience leading to initial teaching licensure in Kansas early childhood unified (birth through kindergarten). The student assumes the total professional role as a teacher in an approved inclusive early childhood program to include infant/toddler and preschool or kindergarten. Prerequisite: Admission to ECU licensure program.

This course will provide in depth learning experiences targeting literacy; both reading and writing. Students will learn about assessment tools and assessment systems used in tiered support frameworks to determine the required intensity of literacy support and instruction needed by children/adolescents with adaptive special education needs, and will learn about evidence-based instructional approaches and curriculum developed for students with disabilities and struggling students in general. The course is intended for persons working toward the Kansas teaching license in teaching students needing an adapted curriculum. Prerequisite: SPED 730 , admittance into the High Incidence program in the Department of Special Education, or permission of the instructor.

This course prepares teacher candidates to assess students with disabilities using formal and informal measures, to use assessment information to develop a strengths-based inclusive Individual Education Program (IEP), to design instruction related to IEP goals and state standards, and to evaluate the effectiveness of that instruction using progress-monitoring techniques. Prerequisite: SPED 635 or 735.

This course provides a problem-solving approach and the framework for teaching and assessment strategies to develop pro-social behavior in students with disabilities and their typical peers in classrooms and whole school contexts. Students assess problem behavior, discover the functions of problem behavior, and learn pro-social alternatives in home, school, and community settings. Prerequisite: SPED 730 or permission of instructor.

This course prepares teacher candidates to assess students with complex communication needs, to use assessment findings to develop communication supports, to implement communication supports in natural settings, and to progress monitor communication development. Prerequisite: SPED 642 or SPED 742 .

This is a curriculum and methods course that addresses how to design, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula and programs for children from birth to six years of age. Issues of curriculum design and assessment are introduced as interrelated processes that include structuring learning environments and experiences that are responsive to children's interests and abilities. Strategies for developing learning opportunities that are appropriate for young children, including children with special needs and children from diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, will be explored. Students analyze and evaluate curriculum that focuses on facilitating progress in the domains of a) social emotional development; b) cognitive development; c) language and communication development; d) adaptive behavior development and e) gross and fine motor development. Students also analyze and evaluate curriculum standards and frameworks for the young child's acquisition of concepts, skills and dispositions that support the development of early competencies and interest in literacy, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, the arts and individual and group sports. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor. SPED 752 or its equivalent (may be taken concurrently).

The course serves as an introduction to the profession including historical, philosophical, social and psychological foundations, awareness of value, ethical and legal issues, staff relations and the importance of becoming an advocate for children and families. Students will analyze/interpret trends in early education, including diversity, early childhood special education, family centered practices, legislation, public policy, and developmentally appropriate practice. The two key professional organizations, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Division of Early Childhood for the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC), recommended practices serve as the foundation for understanding the roles, knowledge and competencies of the early educator. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor.

This course examines the practice of gathering information for the purpose of making individual referral and instructional decisions for infants, toddlers, and young children with and without special needs. Discusses effective informal assessment techniques and emphasizes an ecological approach to gathering information. Introduces standardized assessment and screening instruments and provides an overview of the purposes and limitations of such tests. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor.

This is a methods course that covers instructional approaches and procedures that offer developmentally appropriate, effective and inclusive early intervention for preschool and kindergarten age children who experience developmental delays, disabling conditions or who are at-risk for developmental problems and disabilities. It is directed toward: (a) "how" to teach, or the technical components of developing and delivering effective instruction that provide access to the general early childhood curriculum within recognized approaches to early childhood education for young children, and (b) the "what" to teach, or the selection of developmentally and individually appropriate child objectives as well as specific materials and specialized instructional approaches. The relationship of instructional planning to state and federal mandates will also be considered. The course is primarily intended for persons who are currently working toward certification in the ECSE program area. Prerequisite: Admittance into the ECU - Birth through Kindergarten graduate initial licensure teacher education program in the Department of Special Education or permission of the instructor. SPED 752 (may be taken concurrently).

This is an introductory course in special education law and policy implementation. It is designed to provide school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders, with a basic understanding of key points in the history of special education law and policy. It focuses primarily on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its core concepts, with particular attention to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of IDEA's procedural requirements, the preferred practices associated with implementing the procedures in schools, criticism of these practices and their implementation, and ideas for addressing these criticisms in ways that promote more equitable and inclusive special education practices. Prerequisite: Degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or related fields.

This is course is designed to provide school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders, with a general understanding of the history of the treatment of individuals with disabilities and the development of special education law and policy over time. It foregrounds current issues in the post-IDEA organization of the field, highlighting the goals and challenges of democratic leadership and civic professionalism in relation to special education. The course concludes with a final paper and online presentation examining how history, disability, difference and justice inform special education leadership, both in theory and in practice. Prerequisite: Degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or related fields.

This course is designed to give school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders interested in special education leadership, a deep understanding of two core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are: (1) appropriate education; and (2) least restrictive environment. The course continues the same pattern established in the previous courses for this four-course program. It introduces these core IDEA concepts, features a week of criticisms of those concepts, and follows with a week on remedies to address key issues identified. The last two modules of the course focus on the Individualized Educational Plan and inclusive practices. The course concludes with a final project. Prerequisite: Degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or related fields.

This course is designed to give school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders interested in special education leadership, a deep understanding of three of the core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are: (1) non-discriminatory evaluation; (2) parent participation; and (3) procedural due process. The course continues the same pattern established in the previous courses for this four-course program. It introduces these three core IDEA concepts, features a week of criticisms of those concepts, and follows with a week on remedies to address key issues identified. The last two modules of the course focus on the Individualized Educational Plan and inclusive practices. The course concludes with a final project. Prerequisite: Degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or related fields.

An introductory graduate-level course on autism spectrum disorder. Addresses characteristics of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Also surveys trends, issues, and evidence-based practices promoting academic, social, behavioral, and communicative development of learners with autism spectrum disorder.

A course designed to provide field experiences with children and youth with disabilities in settings where educational services are provided. Students work directly with professionals such as special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists and other support personnel. Students participate as aides, tutors, and instructors with individual and small groups of children and youth. Ongoing meetings with supervisors are designed to facilitate both reflection and strategic learning.

Intensive diverse and direct teaching experiences with children and youth with disabilities in educational settings. This practicum is a requirement for provisional endorsement according to KSDE. Students who have completed SPED 775 cannot enroll in SPED 675 within in same curricular area. Prerequisite: Varies by topic.

An analysis of information derived from assessment instruments and procedures appropriate to measuring the social and cognitive development of exceptional children and youth. Provides experiences in determining assessment data required in the development of individualized educational programs (IEP). Attention is also given to the design of informal assessment procedures, specific to the needs of exceptional children and youth. Experience is provided in the preparation and presentation of assessment data for use in instructional planning conferences.

This is a methods course, with special emphasis on learners with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Particular attention is given to evidence-based practices and strategies for teaching, managing and promoting social skill and social communication development and proactive social interactions.

A special course designed to address topical issues. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Course covers aspects of communicative behavior of learners with autism and other developmental disabilities. Emphasis is on a verbal behavior approach and evidence-based practices for teaching communication skills including symbol exchange systems, augmentative and alternative communication strategies, and speech generating devices. Methods for evaluating intervention fidelity and effects on communicative behavior are covered along with strategies to support collaboration between speech and language pathologists and other individualized education team members. Prerequisite: Completion of SPED 760 and SPED 860 or instructor approval.

This course is designed for graduate students enrolled in the Masters of Science Program with an emphasis in school-age populations primarily with high mild disabilities or seeking to obtain a license to teach students needing an adapted curriculum in Kansas. Course experiences focus on how to identify and implement evidenced-based practices designed to increase the success of students with mild disabilities in mathematics, social studies, science, and language arts through their participation in general and special education classrooms primarily in grades 4-12. This course emphasizes practices associated with understanding and evaluating curricular demands, monitoring student progress in content-area courses, providing tiered supports and accommodations in teaching, using assessment and grading alternatives, and incorporating the principles of explicit and strategic instruction to design instruction that will promote and enhance content-area learning. The course is intended for persons working toward the Kansas teaching license in teaching students needing an adapted curriculum. Prerequisite: SPED 730 , SPED 741 , admittance into the High Incidence Disabilities program in the Department of Special Education, or permission of the instructor.

This course focuses on foundational skills for setting up an inclusive program that meets the needs of students with low-incidence disabilities in general education settings. The course will emphasize many of the "behind-the-scenes" strategies and activities that must be completed on a regular basis to make inclusive education effective and efficient. Prerequisite: SPED 635 or SPED 735 and SPED 642 or SPED 742 .

This course is designed to introduce educators and related service professionals to prevention and intervention related to a broad range of antisocial, aggressive, and behavioral problems. Approaches focus on understanding and addressing the precipitating factors related to inappropriate behavior, short-term approaches for immediate crises, and problem-solving strategies for longer-term change. Course content will include antisocial, aggressive, and violent behavior; options for classroom interventions; school and system-oriented interventions, and ethical and legal issues involved in various prevention and intervention approaches. Class work will focus on literature, research-based intervention approaches, and case work illustrating specific approaches and programs. Prerequisite: SPED 631 or SPED 731 , SPED 741 , and SPED 743 .

This course develops critical skills for implementing an inclusive program that meets the needs of students with low-incidence disabilities in general education settings. The course will emphasize many of the day-today strategies and activities that must be completed on a regular basis to make inclusive education effective and efficient for all learners. Prerequisite: SPED 635 or SPED 735 and SPED 642 or SPED 742 .

This course focuses on laws that apply to special education, especially "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" and "No Child Left Behind Act." The American legal system, particularly in respect to special education, the constitutional and statutory provisions of federal and state law, and judicial decisions interpreting those laws are reviewed. The course relates equal protection, procedural due process, and substantive due process doctrines to school practices affecting students with disabilities and examines the six principles of P. L. 94-142 and similar principles in state legislation. (Same as ELPS 856 .)

Students to analyze public policy that affects citizens with disabilities, various models of analysis are brought to bear on federal policy (e.g., education, transportation, housing, institutionalization, protection and advocacy, medical assistance, employment, vocational rehabilitation, and others). This course is not valid for core requirement in history and/or philosophy of education. Prerequisite: SPED 851 or permission of instructor.

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills to implement federal and state mandates for special education and related services programs as they relate to building and maintaining relationships with families of students with disabilities, and developing effective school programs. It covers procedures for developing, implementing, and evaluating (a) instructional accountability for special education students' participation in district and state assessment; (b) relationships between general and special education personnel and programs; (c) roles and responsibilities; (d) interdisciplinary team planning including families; (e) coordinating, educating, and supervising paraeducators; and (f) general management responsibilities associated with instruction of children and youth with disabilities. Course topics will include collaboration in schools, community systems and families, historical perspectives of family life and school involvement, effective relationships between home, school, community, communication among professionals and with families, school-based programs, home-based programs, and multicultural considerations. Prerequisite: SPED 631 or SPED 731 , or SPED 632 or SPED 732 , or SPED 735 .

The purpose of this course is to provide a background in career development and transition education for persons with disabilities from middle school through adulthood. Emphasis is placed on IDEA requirements for transition services, career development and transition processes, transition services assessment, secondary special education curricular implications, career development and transition service needs, collaborative services in schools and communities to promote quality transition services, and issues and trends in transition education and services.

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students in special education and related areas who are specializing in secondary school/transition programs with an overview of career development for youth with disabilities. Emphasis is placed upon theory and practice related to career development, workbased learning, and school and community vocational training models. Prerequisite: SPED 856 .

This course is designed to provide a review of psychometric principles and their utility as a foundation for quality assessment in transition assessment and planning for youth with disabilities. Formal and informal assessments across a range of transition planning areas are reviewed and evaluated. Skills in curriculum-based assessment, rating scales, situational assessment, and functional assessment are emphasized. Prerequisite: SPED 856 or permission of instructor.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of interagency and community services and systems for adolescents and young adults with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on theory and practice related to interagency collaboration; systems change efforts in transition services; and state-of-art practices regarding supporting individuals with disabilities in community employment, living, socialization, community participation, and other areas of adult life. Prerequisite: SPED 856 .

This course is designed to prepare students to implement evidence-based strategies for individualized and group instruction. Methods for developing and implementing overall treatment/educational programs, planning or selecting curriculum/service models for programs, and developing instructional materials are emphasized. Procedures for managing classroom staff and service resources, coordinating educational programs with families, other service personnel and program support staff, and monitoring overall program effectiveness are addressed.

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students with research evidence of each of the components of universal design for learning within access to the general academic curriculum: multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. Prerequisite: SPED 856 .

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students with models and strategies to develop and coordinate meaningful work experiences for youth with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for engaging with community businesses, developing and customizing jobs and supporting youth in the workplace. Prerequisite: SPED 856 .

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students in special education and related areas who are specializing in secondary school/transition programs with an overview of models and issues pertaining to school and community engagement for secondary age youth. Prerequisite: SPED 856 .

This is an advanced practicum experience for the graduate student teaching children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The practicum is designed to provide intense, diverse and direct teaching experiences with children and youth who have learning and behavioral needs in the mild through moderate range and who have been identified with ASD. Prerequisite: SPED 760 ; SPED 860 ; SPED 785 ; SPED 790 ; SPED 800 ; SPED 743 .

This course is designed to provide intensive field work and direct teaching experiences with children and youth with disabilities in educational, residential, and clinical settings. Prerequisite: SPED 775 .

Prerequisite: Consent of advisor and instructor.

Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.

Course assists first-year doctoral students in (a) developing a scholarly identity and technical skills in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service, (b) developing a critical understanding of the scholarship informing special education practices and policies through course readings and seminar discussions, and (c) developing the skills to complete a comprehensive, critical review of a topic in the field of special education and disability. Prerequisite: Doctoral student status in Special Education.

Course assists doctoral students in learning (a) what is known about effective teacher education, (b) how that knowledge is translated into practice, and (c) what methodologies can be enlisted to conduct cutting-edge teacher education research. Prerequisite: Doctoral student status in Special Education.

The focus of the seminar is current and historically-significant disability-related special education issues and problems (e.g., inclusive education, effective instruction, race and social class bias) that both intersect and implicate the various special education doctoral specializations. Because such problems tend to be intractable, the seminar is designed to build student capacity for conceptualizing and addressing them by exploring forms of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and specialization scholarship and inquiry applicable to (re)framing and potentially resolving them. Prerequisite: Doctoral student status in Special Education.

The purpose of this seminar is to enable doctoral students to develop an interdisciplinary stance in their research and teaching by building meaningful connections across three types of knowledge-metatheoretical foundations of the social science and humanities disciplines; methodological and theoretical knowledge of the social sciences/humanities and theoretically-oriented social professions; and specialized knowledge of education, special education, and related professions. The primary focus of the seminar is the methodological traditions of the social sciences/humanities and education and their application to historically-significant, intractable special education problems such as exclusion/segregation, instructional ineffectiveness, and race and class bias, all of which intersect and implicate our various doctoral specialization areas. The secondary focus is application of the theoretical knowledge of the social science/humanities disciplines and theoretically-oriented social professions to these and related contemporary special education problems.

This course is concerned with the relationship between professions and society in a democracy, and specifically, with the ethics and practices associated with the professions of education, special education, and other disability-related fields. Models of professionalism are compared and advantages of civic professionalism for individuals with disabilities and their families, the professions, and society as a whole are explored. Lessons drawn from disagreements over questions such as the nature and social consequences of the professions are used to broaden understanding of what professionalism could and should be in a democracy. Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program.

This course will add to the formation of doctoral students as scholars who support practitioners as they strive to be effective consumers of research and implement evidence based practice. The course will address history and current trends, issues/problems and associated methodologies, key leaders, and schools of thought for the fields of Early Education/Early Childhood Special Education with a focus on educator preparation. This course includes active involvement in teaching Early Childhood Unified masters degree students participating in SPED 752 , Overview of Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education. Doctoral students will help plan and teach SPED 752 course sessions as well as mentor SPED 752 students, who are developing understandings of and writing about evidence based practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the Special Education Doctoral program or instructor permission.

This course is concerned with what justice requires for people with disabilities, and in this regard, with the institutional, political, and cultural barriers to these requirements today and historically. As such, it is an interdisciplinary treatment of the place of disability in theories of justice from Rawls's contractarian theory of justice through Nussbaum's capabilities approach, as well as a critical-theoretic analysis of injustice toward people with disabilities from the Enlightenment to contemporary society. Prerequisite: SPED 950 or permission of the instructor.

This course will engage students in analyzing, evaluating, and planning for conducting research into an array of equity issues for families of students with or considered "at risk" for disabilities associated with the programs and professionals that serve them. Students will critically engage the origins and reproduction of dominant discourses regarding families from diverse backgrounds, drawing on interdisciplinary frames and research approaches for identifying systemic inequities within educational institutions for families and their children from diverse racial, ethnic, social class, and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding and analysis of emerging critical topics and research in instructional design, technology innovation, implementation of innovation across higher education and k-12 environments as it relates to struggling learners, especially individuals with disabilities. The focus of the course is to contextualize issues in design, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of technology as it aligns to the needs of struggling learners and their peers with identified disabilities. Topics will include Assistive Technology (AT), Instructional Technology (IT), Universal Design (UD), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), models of instructional design, usability, human-factors/performance measurement, blended and online learning (higher education /k-12), adoption/abandonment, outcome measures, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and current trending topics related to research, teacher education, and implementation of IDT in higher education and k-12 education, again, as it applies to the relevant needs of struggling learners and their peers with disabilities. Students will be required to coordinate requirements with research & teaching competencies and outcomes of the special education doctoral program specific to the IDTI specialization. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

As we understand more about the learning process, the more we recognize the importance of design. Simple modifications to the learning environment and the instructional process can shape whether learners access, process, and develop understandings within the experience. As future leaders, it is important for you to understand and continually reflect on how the design elements within your research, teaching, and service will impact learners. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a basis for thinking about the use of design within the learning process. As a scientifically-based instructional framework, UDL is focused on supporting the variability that exists in all learners. UDL integrates proactive as well as iterative instructional design across goals, methods, materials, and assessments to support the development of expert learners. This course is designed to expand on the foundational knowledge of UDL to support an interdisciplinary understanding across various fields of study that engage in the framework's advancement. Learners will develop understanding surrounding the contemporary issues and topics facing UDL in research, development, and implementation. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

Covers four themes relative to instructional design and technology innovation research for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs: (1) understanding initial usability testing in design and development of innovations, (2) basic comprehension of research methodologies applicable to design and technology analysis, (3) expansion of usability testing and similar formats to the increasingly K-12 environments within and outside the traditional brick-and-mortar setting, and (4) applying knowledge to initial design and implementation of research. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

This course is concerned with political struggles associated with the formation of special education law and policy and its implementation in schools and associated institutions. Using an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that views policy development historically and institutionally, it analyzes the formation and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act from its origins in disability-focused social movements to its implementation in largely resistive school organizations. Prerequisite: SPED 950 or permission of instructor.

Practices pertaining to the third wave of the disability movement and the third generation of inclusive education emphasize strengths-based models that conceptualization disability not as a deficit within the person, but in the context of the gap between personal capacity and the demands of the environment. This course will provide students with in-depth instruction and reading pertaining to 21st century understandings of disability, how strengths-based positive psychology can contribute to the education of students with extensive and pervasive support needs, and how supports-paradigms and assessments (Supports Intensity Scale for Children) can be used to identify and provide needed supports to students with more extensive support needs. Because the aforementioned changing understandings of disability and a movement to a supports paradigm emphasizes the importance of promoting the self-determination of all students, including students with extensive and pervasive support needs, the second half of the course will provide a life span survey of the self-determination construct, examining evidence-based theories of the construct and their application to the education of students with disabilities; the importance of promoting self-determination to academic and transition-related outcomes, and roles of families and others in the development of self-determination. Prerequisite: Admission to a Doctoral program.

IDEA requires that all students be involved with and progress in the general education curriculum. This course will build on the previous two courses in the specialization to overview supplementary aids and services, special education services, and related services necessary to ensure that students with extensive and pervasive support needs are provided instruction and are successful in the general education curriculum. The course will focus on the importance of inclusive education, and the role of universal design for learning in the education of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

School reform has emphasized college and career readiness for all students. This course will examine the application of College and Career Readiness (CCR) to students with extensive and pervasive support needs. Theory and research will be examined during this class focusing on methods, materials, and strategies to ensure a successful transition from secondary education to college or a career for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Three themes, reflecting improvement science, research and translation to practice, serve as foundations this course: (1) What is known about CCR from interdisciplinary theory and practice, (2) How do critical elements translate into successful translation for systems supporting students with significant disabilities, and (3) Is there consensus related to application of CCR theory and research for students with significant disabilities. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program.

This course will focus on preventing the development of academic, behavior, and social challenges and responding effectively when challenges do occur. Course content will include the use of behavior and academic screening tools to detect and support students with and at risk for academic, behavior, and social challenges within comprehensive, integrated, three-tiered (CI3T) models of prevention. In addition, students will learn about evidence-based strategies, practices, and programs for supporting students with and without identified disabilities for whom Tier 1 efforts are insufficient. Students will develop their abilities to analyze, synthesize, and apply research methods related to design, implementation, and evaluation of Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Students will be required to coordinate requirements with research and teaching competencies and outcomes of the special educational doctoral program. Prerequisite: Admission to a doctoral program or permission from the instructor.

This course is designed to prepare administrators and prospective administrators for organizing and administering educational programs for students with disabilities. Major topics include a review of current trends in special education, state and federal guidelines and regulations, legal and financing aspects of special education, program planning, and administration of special services. (Same as ELPS 959 .) Prerequisite: Nine hours of education including educational psychology and SPED 725 .

This course is designed to assist first-year special education doctoral students organize and synthesize a conceptual and substantive map of the field of special education and introduce them to corresponding faculty research interests and resources. Emphasis is placed on the academic writing expectations and resources of the field, university, and department, and on building a cohort of students to address common issues and to provide a foundation for peer support throughout the doctoral program. Prerequisite: Admission to special education doctoral program or permission of instructor.

Advanced development of conceptual and practical field-based skills. Prerequisite: SPED 775 .

A special course of study to meet current needs of education professionals -- primarily for post-master's level students.

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of seminal leadership and systems change literature. Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program.

This course is designed to teach a broad array of strategies associated with the development of successful proposals that will generate funds to support programmatic work. Among the topics covered in this course are sources of funding, strategies for conceptualizing and writing proposals, collaboration strategies, proposal peer-review process, and integrating proposal development activities into other professional responsibilities. Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program and EPSY 710 .

This course is designed to develop skills in naturalistic or constructivist research, while situating it theoretically within the broader framework of modern and postmodern social inquiry, and exploring its social, political and ethical implications. The course develops students' skills in using this form of interpretive qualitative research, provides a theoretical framework for selecting inquiry paradigms, compares and contrasts positivist and constructivist inquiry, and reviews social and political implications of constructivist inquiry. Prerequisite: Six hours of statistics, measurement, and/or large or small group research design.

This course provides a detailed examination of research methods for advancing knowledge and validating hypothetically useful treatments in situations in which sufficient sample sizes to conduct formal experiments are lacking, the question of interest is better addressed by multiple observations of treatment effects over time, and/or the question is best addressed by taking a variety of observations of a single unit of interest. Specifically, two small sample research methods will be examined in depth with examples and practical application experience: interrupted time series design for small samples ("single case" design), and Yin's empirical case study method. Prerequisite: Doctoral program admission or permission of instructor.

This seminar examines research to support evidence-based practices that currently exist in the areas of early intervention and early childhood special education. The primary objective is to learn how to read and critically analyze studies that form the evidence base for several early intervention and early childhood special education practices. Primary goals of the class include the development of skills for evaluating research studies in early intervention and early childhood special education, and increasing knowledge of evidence-based practices in the early intervention literature. Prerequisite: Three courses in special education or permission of instructor.

This course covers advanced concepts, issues, and trends in single case research. Topics include theoretical frameworks for single case, combining single case designs, observational measurement, rigor and outcomes analysis, and synthesis. Emerging statistical methods of analyzing single case experimental research are also covered. Prerequisite: SPED 990 or equivalent course.

Supervised and directed experiences in selected educational settings. Instructors conduct regular observations and conference with students. Written summaries and evaluations of field experiences are prepared independently by the student, a representative of the cooperating agency, and the instructor. Open only to advanced students and field experience credit in any one semester may not exceed five hours, and total credit may not exceed eight hours.

This course is designed to prepare students for college teaching. Enrolled students shall engage in semester-long, planned, instruction that includes college classroom teaching under supervision. Planning shall be done with a member of the faculty who will supervise the experience.

Prerequisite: Prior graduate course work in the area of study and consent of instructor.

Contact Info

School of education & human sciences.

Welcome Center, Joseph R. Pearson Hall 1122 West Campus Road Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-3726 785-864-5076 [email protected] http://www.soehs.ku.edu/

Rick Ginsberg, Dean 785-864-4297 [email protected]

Welcome Center, Joseph R. Pearson Hall 1122 West Campus Road Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-3726 [email protected] http://www.soehs.ku.edu/

Kelli Feldman, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs 785-864-9681 [email protected]

School of Education

Welcome Center, Joseph R. Pearson Hall 1122 West Campus Road Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-3726 [email protected] https://specialedu.ku.edu/

Lisa Wolf-Wendel, Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies 785-864-9722 [email protected]

Special Education

Joseph R. Pearson Hall 1122 W. Campus Rd., Rm. 521 Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-4954 [email protected] https://specialedu.ku.edu

Jennifer Kurth, Department Chair & Professor 785-864-4954 [email protected] https://specialedu.ku.edu/

Linda LaPierre, Graduate Admissions Coordinator 785-864-4342 [email protected]

Shaunna Price, Program Coordinator 785-864-0556 [email protected]

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2023-24 Entire Catalog

All pages in the Academic Catalog

• Curriculum and Instruction Master's
• Reading Masters
• Reading Certificate
• TESOL Master's
• TESOL Certificate
• Educational Administration Master’s
• Educational Administration Certificate
• Autism Master's
• Autism Certificate
• Leadership in Special and Inclusive Education Certificate
• High Incidence Disabilities Master's
• Secondary Special Education and Transition Master's
• Secondary Special Education and Transition Certificate
• Virtual Learning Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Video Gallery
• Financial Aid

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

What Characteristics Do You Need For This Career?

What do special education teachers do, enrolling in a program that fits your needs.

All states have some basic requirements: a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA, completion of a teacher preparation program (including specific coursework and student teaching or practicum), passing scores on standardized licensure exams, and a criminal background check.

At The University of Kansas, we offer many different online programs in special education . Our program in high incidence special education (mild-to-moderate needs) is designed for people who already hold an initial teaching license and want to add an endorsement in special education.

KU also offers online programs in autism , special education leadership , and secondary special education and transition . These programs are not approved for licensure but may be of interest to teachers who want to learn more about these specialized topics, or for people who are working as teachers or advocates in hospitals, residential facilities or community agencies, where licensure is not required.

Getting Licensed and Finding a Job

Check with your state’s licensing agency to see what they require for licensure or certification in your home state.

Set out on Your New Career Path

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IMPORTANT DATES

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The University of Kansas has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and is the University's Title IX Coordinator: the Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected] , 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414 , 711 TTY.

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KU Para to Teacher Pathway Project (KU-PTP)

Project Description

Funding available for paraprofessionals to earn a teaching license in low-incidence disabilities.

The University of Kansas Department of Special Education invites applications for a federally funded personnel preparation program that provides tuition and a stipend to prepare successful paraprofessionals to earn a teaching license in low-incidence disabilities.

Eligibility for the Scholarship:

• Be a Kansas Resident
• Visit  https://specialedu.ku.edu/academics/low-incidence-disabilities/masters/details and scroll down to "Low Incidence Disabilities Master’s Graduate Admission" for more information.
• Visit  https://pdp.ed.gov/OSEP/home/faq for more information.
• Earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Completed at least one full year of experience as a special education paraprofessional working with students with low-incidence disabilities (“severe” disabilities)
• Can verify that a Kansas school will employ and support you as a low-incidence teacher

Other qualifications for the Limited Residency License (LRL):

Qualifications of candidates.

• Earned a Bachelor’s degree (from a regionally accredited university)
• Obtained a GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale for the most recent 60 semester credit hours earned by the candidate 
• Completed a minimum of one full school year as a full‐time special education paraprofessional under the supervision of a special education teacher
• Extensive long‐term special education substitute experience will be considered on an individual basis for equivalency to the described paraprofessional experience. 
• Verify that a local education agency (school district) will employ and support you in an appropriate low-incidence special education teaching assignment during the completion of the program under the LRL license.  
• Limited Residency License in Low-Incidence Special Education
• Optional Master’s degree in Special Education

Program Components:

• Acquire skills to be a highly effective low-incidence special education teacher
• A two-year program of study with intensive mentoring and fieldwork experience

Scholarship Participant Benefits:

• Tuition and fees paid
• Additional $3,000 stipend to cover other costs such as books, wifi, and dependent care in Fall and Spring semesters
• Extensive mentoring from KU faculty and staff, KU graduates, and school district personnel
• Funding to attend at least one national conference (out of state travel)
• Complete the program while you are teaching in your school

Target Audience

Paraprofessionals (Paras)

Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

Project Status

In Progress

• Apply here!

Principle Investigator (PI)

Jennifer kurth, ph. d..

Project Coordinator

Elissa lockman turner, ph. d..

Alison Zagona, Ph. D.

Frequently asked questions, q1: are courses offered online or in person.

A1: The coursework will be hybrid; people wishing to attend in person can do so on the Lawrence campus. People who live farther away or can’t get to Lawrence in time will be able to attend class via Zoom. All classes are synchronous , meaning we meet together as a group.

Classes will be from 4:30-7:00pm to accommodate teaching schedules and are usually held two or three days per week Monday-Thursday.

Q2: Can I complete the program if I do not already have a bachelor’s degree?

A2: The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) requires all people obtaining a teaching credential through this Limited Residency License to have a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA in your last 60 credit hours (out of a 4.0 scale).

Q3: What are the requirements for school districts?

A3: The KSDE has the following requirements for school districts hiring a teacher on the Limited Residency License:

• Assign a mentor and provide an approved mentor program
• Place the candidate in an appropriate assignment  

Q4: Will I have a full teaching license after completing this program?

A4: After you complete the program of study, you will be eligible for a standard initial teaching license, allowing you to work as a teacher in Kansas! After earning your Limited Residency License, you must complete at least one full year of additional mentoring before being upgraded to the full professional license.

Q5: Can I do fieldwork/practicum in my own school?

A5: Yes, you are expected to do your fieldwork and/or practicum in your own school. This coursework and fieldwork/practicum require you to teach students with “severe” or “low-incidence” disabilities.

Q6: What does the scholarship pay for?

A6: Your full tuition and fees will be paid for the 35-credit hour program of study. Additionally, you will receive $3,000 per semester for program-related expenses, such as dependent care, books, travel to campus, or other necessary expenses.

Q7: What do I need to do to earn the optional Master’s degree?

You would need to take two additional courses (6 credits).

Learn More!

Please visit https://rockcha.lk/para-teacher-pathway  or email  [email protected] for more information.

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Get the Education

 There are a number of options in Kansas to receive teacher preparation or an advanced degree in a number of fields related to education. Below you’ll find a pathway to help you get started quickly if you’re looking for a mid-career change and financial aid information for prospective teachers of all kinds.

Teacher Grant Opportunities

Scholarships

Promise Act Scholarship General Scholarships Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship KNEA Grants and Scholarships KNEA Scholarship Information – Degrees Not Debt Perkins Loan

Alternative Certification Information

The Restricted Teaching License Alternative Pathway is designed for mid-career professionals who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or equivalent coursework in a content area they want to teach. If that’s you, the pathway provides an opportunity for you to have immediate access to start teaching under a restricted license while completing professional education pedagogy coursework to become fully licensed.

Financial Aid Information

Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation

If you have served full-time in a public or nonprofit elementary or school system in the following roles, you may qualify for cancellation (discharge) of up to 100% of a Federal Perkins Loan:

• Teacher in a school serving students from low-income families
• Special education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities
• Teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers 

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

While some educators may benefit from the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is eligible to any full-time staff member. The loan forgiveness amount is determined on an individual basis and is tax-free. 

Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

This scholarship is a merit-based service obligation program that provides financial assistance to both students in bachelor’s degree programs and currently licensed teachers pursuing endorsement or master’s degrees in hard-to-fill areas, as well as students and teachers planning to teach in an underserved geographic area. Recipients sign agreements to teach one year for each year of scholarship support in Kansas. 

Student Financial Aid

Student financial aid includes grants, scholarships, and loans available through the federal and state government, private corporations, and philanthropic organizations. The Kansas Board of Regents is responsible for the administration of state-funded grants and scholarships. For more information on financial assistance, please contact the financial aid office at the school you wish to attend or contact the Kansas Board of Regents for more information.

KNEA Grants and Scholarships KNEA Scholarship Information – Degrees Not Debt Perkins Loan

Teacher education programs in Kansas

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See why teachers love teaching

We’ve interviewed teachers around the state and at different points in their careers so they can share why they love being in the classroom.

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Admission to the University of Kansas

It's never too early or late to begin your journey as a Jayhawk. Students just like you can make a significant impact as an educator. At the Department of Special Education, we combine a unique approach to leadership within special education with a focus on theory to practice. We provide opportunities to apply academic knowledge to active challenges in today's world, and students graduate to become better-prepared special educators because of it.

Graduate Students (Campus-based & Online)

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for admission through the Office of Graduate Admissions at KU.

Please note that each individual graduate program offered through the Department of Special Education has a unique set of program application requirements and application deadlines. Visit your graduate program web page for additional details.

International Students

International students are encouraged to apply to the Department of Special Education based on their level of degree/education interest:

• Intensive English or English as a Second Language (ESL): Applied English Center
• Graduate degree (master’s or doctoral degrees): Graduate Admissions

You will find yourself in good company as an international student at KU, located in Lawrence, Kansas - the heart of the United States. As a new international student, you will join thousands of students who have come from more than 110 countries in every region of the world. The Office of International Admissions will assist prospective international students in their application for admission to KU.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Individuals interested in enrolling in graduate coursework without the intent to complete degree program are encouraged to apply as non-degree seeking students. For more information, please contact the academic department via email at [email protected] .

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Kansas Special Education Process Handbook

The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and the updating of the Kansas State Regulations in 2008, continues the commitment to ensure that all students have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), will be included in the general education curriculum and will demonstrate improved educational outcomes.

The Kansas Special Education for Exceptional Children Act expands federal law and regulations to include children who are identified as gifted and provides an opportunity for children enrolled in private schools by their parents to receive FAPE.  The Kansas State Department of Education is required to provide information regarding any rules, regulations and policies not required by IDEA 2004 or Federal Regulations.

The Kansas Special Education Process Handbook was developed to provide guidance, resources and supports necessary for those professionals who work to improve results for exceptional children.  The information provided in the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook attempts to clarify and define legal requirements of the law and regulations.  Each chapter includes a brief overview specifying requirements that are particular to Kansas.  In addition, each chapter includes links to valuable resources, sample forms and references.  Users of the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook are encouraged to update any future documents which provide clarification to the law and regulations by KSDE or the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

Eligibility

Eligibility Indicators (PDF) updated July 2023 Eligibility Indicators (Spanish, translated by 259) (PDF) Evaluation/Eligibility Report Checklist (PDF)

Dyslexia information (Link)

Guide to Special Education and other Legal Information

This guide has been written to help parents and other educational decision-makers understand the special education process.  Special education is not a place to which one or a group of students in a school goes; it is supportive services that are given to some students so that they may progress in and be a part of the general education curriculum. All students are general education students and all students benefit from parents being involved in education, not just the special education part of it.

Parent Guide to Special Education (English PDF) / (Spanish PDF) Kansas Special Education Process Handbook Parents Rights Document (Notices/Forms)

Special Education Legal Questions:

Mark Ward [email protected]

Ashley Niedzwiecki [email protected]

Crista Grimwood [email protected]

Brian Dempsey Assistant Director [email protected]

SETS Team Pages

Main Team Page Early Childhood Special Education Title Services Announcements Fact Sheets Kansas Integrated Accountability System (KIAS) Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) (external link) Kansas’ Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) (external link)

Problems with this page contact: Evelyn Alden [email protected]

The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. ( more information... )

To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at [email protected] or by 785-296-3201.