Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education Major


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Program Information


The professional sequence in teacher education at Wisconsin Lutheran College is designed with attention to both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the teaching profession. Study about teaching is combined with actual observation, tutoring, teaching, and other clinical-laboratory experiences. Wisconsin Lutheran College has approval of its program in teacher education from the Department of Public Instruction, State of Wisconsin. Students who complete the professional teacher education requirements are eligible for licensure to teach in grades PK-6 (early childhood/elementary - developmental stages of early childhood through middle childhood), 1-9 (elementary/ middle school - developmental stages of middle childhood through early adolescence), or 6-12 (middle and high school - developmental stages of early adolescence through adolescence). Some programs such as music, art, and foreign language offer licenses grades PK-12 - wide range (early childhood through secondary developmental stages or early childhood through adolescence.) Students should contact the director of teacher education for further information.

Any student may apply for admission to the School of Education at WLC upon completion of one year of full-time study or 32 credits as a part-time student at a 2.50 grade point average or higher. Students planning to enter the Teacher Education Program must submit supporting documents for approval by the School of Education and the student’s major and minor departments. Students must have passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (Praxis I) and a listening test as mandated by the Department of Public Instruction before they can be accepted into the School of Education. The exit GPA is 3.0 in the major, minor and/or professional sequence. The Praxis II must be taken and passed prior to making application for teacher candidacy. If scheduled to teach in spring, Praxis II test scores must be received by October 15th for the spring semester and April 15th for fall semester. Consult the www.ETS.org for the specific test required of major area.

Transfer students must submit college transcripts with appropriate test score and grade information and meet the above criteria prior to enrollment in any 300-level EDU course. They also need to sign a consent form allowing for investigation of the previous educational course work and clinical experiences along with supporting documents, the transfer student must participate in the admission process to the School of Education.

All WLC teacher education students must complete a disclosure questionnaire prior to participating in field work and student teaching. A background check is required. Education students must submit a general health form (including TB test) prior to clinical experiences and specifically teacher candidacy.

Course of Study


General Education Requirements:


Students must satisfy the general education requirements for the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degrees. The requirements of the department from which the teaching major is selected must be fully met as described on the approved audit form. If a minor is selected, all departmental requirements for a minor must be satisfied also on an approved audit form. In addition, specific requirements for teaching from each department must also be met.

Special Education Major


This Cross-Categorical Special Education Major seeks to prepare candidates to utilize a variety of theoretical and research based practices to enable students with disabilities to reach their full potential. Moreover, candidates gain experience in the varied settings and roles of the special educator, including expanding consulting and collaborative roles in the inclusive classroom. The major allows candidates to complete all the coursework for certification as a special education teacher in cross-categorical special education (801). The major requires the completion of a concentration in one of three areas of emphasis in specific learning disabilities (SLD), emotional/behavior disorders (EBD), or cognitive disabilities (CD). offered at the present time.

Professional Sequence


  • This major is to be taken in conjunction with a EDU major in MC/EA or EA/A with a subject area major.
  • A content area minor is required with the MC/EA (Elementary Education) major.
  • A content area major is required with the EA/A (Secondary Education) major.

Collateral Requirements


(many of which fulfill general education requirements)

Fieldwork:


The clinical experiences are developmental in scope and sequence, occurring in a variety of settings. They consist of observations, interviews and participation in numerous instructional activities. Documentation is required as outlined in the Teacher Education Handbook. Field hours are designated for certain EDU courses in the professional sequence. Consult Appendix C of the Teacher Education Handbook.

Evaluation of Performance Leading to Licensure:


Faculty of the School of Education exercises professional judgment in evaluating the performance of course work, the clinical experiences, and portfolio preparation. This evaluation emphasizes performance evidence of the knowledge, skills and dispositions (including moral and ethical considerations) identified as essential for a qualified beginning educator. National subject area standards, INTASC standards, NBTS standards, and Wisconsin DPI standards also provide foundation for assessment of performance. Consult the Teacher Education Handbook for the requirements at each stage of progress through the program.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study