Professional Studies (SEPS)
SEPS 725. Advanced Study of K-12 Curriculum (3) Advanced study of foundations for development, historical context, determinants, content, organization, planning, design and strategies for change of K-12 curricula. The role of teachers in the creation, evaluation and revision of K-12 curriculum is examined.
Research and Measurement in Education (SERM)
SERM 700. Introduction to Research in Education (3) Emphasis on the major methods and techniques of research employed by students of education.
Literacy Education (SLCY)
SLCY 722. Developing Literacy from Kindergarten through Second Grade (3) Literacy instruction from oral language through emergent literacy. Emphasis will be placed on developing phonemic awareness and concepts about print, and on scaffolding the transition through emergent literacy into the initial stages of reading and writing. Related, developmentally appropriate assessments will be considered as tools for focusing literacy support.
Visual Impairment (SVIP)
SVIP 610. Nature and Needs of Learners with Visual Impairment (3) A historical perspective, legal requirements, ethics, accessibiliy issues, service delivery systems, prevalence, etiologies, educational interventions, adaptive aids, and resources as it relates to the education of induviduals who are blind or visually impaired. The cognitive, linguistic, motor, sensory, and psychosocial development characteristics of children and youth with visual impairment are explored.
SVIP 650. Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders of the Visual System (3) Thorough review of the structure and functioning of the eye and neurological system relating to visualization, congenital and acquired visual abnormalities and their effects on functioning, ophthalmologic examination procedures, and ocular terminology. Educational relevance of course content is emphasized by interpretation of medical eye reports, visual screening, and intervention strategies used to accommodate residual vision.
SVIP 675. Functional Low Vision Assessment and Intervention (3) Provide assistance to a learner with visual impairment who has residual, useful vision by means of optic aids and other adaptive devices. Functional assessment, ophthalmic and optometric consultation, and educational intervention constitute course content. Prerequisite: SVIP 650.
SVIP 705. Literary Braille Code (3) A historical perspective, review of devices used to transcribe braille, comprehensive overview of uncontracted and contracted braille, and extensive practice in the production of literary braille by the use of the Perkins Brailler and a computerized Perkins Braille emulator. Instruction begins with uncontracted braille and common contractions in a logical sequence until all contractions are covered and the student is proficient in reading and transcribing braille.
SVIP 706. Advanced Braille (3) Transcription of mathematics, science notation, music, and foreign language into braille on a Perkins Brailler and a computerized Perkins Brailler emulator. This course also includes instruction in using an abacus, creating tactile graphics, developing perceptual skills, using a slate and stylus, and teaching the Nemeth Braille Code to students who are visually impaired. Prerequisite: SVIP 705.
SVIP 712. Assistive and Instructional Technology for Learners with Visual Impairment (3) Adaptive aids, electronic devices, computerized Braille embossers, synthetic voice output, print reading programs and other software. Students learn about technological devices and become proficient in the use and instruction of these devices and programs. Prerequisite: SVIP 705.
SVIP 717. Orientation and Mobility for Learners with Visual Impairment (3) Instruction in cane skills, orientation, mobility, and activities of daily living for students with visual impairment. The role and responsibilities of the teacher in instruction and in relationship with a certified orientation and mobility professional are stressed.
SVIP 724. Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities (3) The cumulative effects of visual impairment with concomitant disabilities on cognitive, sensory, motor, psychosocial, linguistic, and educational functioning. Educational intervention strategies, service delivery models, legal implications, and the multidisciplinary team model are reviewed.
SVIP 730. Assessment and Educational Methods for Learners with Visual Impairment (3) Formal and informal approaches to evaluation for development of individualized educational programs, materials, equipment, curriculum adaptations, resources, adaptive aids, and instructional strategies. Emphasis is on knowledge of resources, methods of teaching, and how to develop and implement appropriate educational programs for learners with blindness and low vision. Prerequisite: Completion of 21 credits in visual impairment courses.
SVIP 735. Practicum in Special Education: Visual Impairment (3) Capstone field experiences and completion of a comprehensive case study and program portfolio. Candidates complete a minimum of 350 hours of supervised teaching of students with visual impairment. The program cumulative portfolio is completed, presented for committee review, and defended. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SVIP 730.