SPLS
Undergraduate Programs
Special Education Programs
Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Educational Studies offers undergraduate programs for the preparation of teachers in the areas of emotional impairments/learning disabilities (EI/LD) and cognitive impairments/learning disabilities (CI/LD), at either the elementary or secondary level of special education. Students completing the Bachelor of Science earn a State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Teaching Certificate (K-8) and an endorsement in one of the following areas:
- Emotional Impairments/Learning Disabilities (K-12)
- Cognitive Impairments/Learning Disabilities (K-12)
In addition, all students complete at least one minor, many of them leading to an additional endorsement at either the elementary or secondary level in a specific academic content area.
Special Education Curriculum Requirements
Special Education Minor Choices (see undergraduate handbook)
Admissions
Field Experience
Throughout the four semesters of Special Education courses, students have many opportunities to observe and participate in special education programs through practica experiences. In the first semester, students are placed in a special education classroom and assist the teacher with a variety of instructional tasks. In the second semester, students are placed in programs serving their particular disability area. During the third and fourth semesters, students work with small groups of students, providing individualized assessment and instructional activities for students at-risk or students with learning disabilities.
In addition to practica, students majoring in Special Education participate in two full semesters of intern teaching. This includes three 10-week internships. One 10-week placement will be in general education, one 10-week in EI or CI, and one 10-week will focus on students with learning disabilities. Intern teaching placements are made within prescribed areas of Southwest Michigan, within approximately 50 miles of the Western Michigan University campus. Throughout the intern teaching experience, students participate on a weekly basis in an intern teaching seminar class.
Forms:
Clinical Observation Form (Cooperating Teacher and Self-Evaluation)
Competency Forms: EI, LD, CI
Self-Disclosure of Criminal Activity Form
Time Sheet
Advising
Faculty serve as advisors for the undergraduate program. Specific appointment hours are posted in 3506 Sangren Hall. Students interested in the field of special education are encouraged to contact the Department (269)-387-5935) to schedule an appointment.
Extracurricular Activities
Student interested in the field of special education have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities:
The bulletin board near 3502 Sangren Hall provides current information about upcoming meetings and activities.
