200 Level Courses
EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education. 3 credits.
Provides a survey of current knowledge on individuals with disabilities within the context of human growth and development across the life span. Includes historical factors, legal aspects, etiology, characteristics, assessment, evidence-based practices, and support services for individuals with disabilities having needs for intervention ranging from mild to severe. Includes the impact of disabilities on academic, social, and emotional performances. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 203: Disability in American Culture. 3 credits.
Examines disability, past and present, in American culture through changes in historical, political, legal, and societal responses to people with disabilities. Analyzes the disability experience through social and behavioral science perspectives, including diversity, bioethical and human rights conceptualizations/constructs of disability. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 204: Disability in Global Contexts. 3 credits.
Examines disability in a global context, including how individuals, groups, institutions, and nations acknowledge and address disability in contemporary global societies. Assesses how the growing political, economic, and social gaps that exist between the Global North and South impact people with disabilities. Applies a disabilities empowerment framework as well as current findings from global human and economic indices to compare the current status of people with disabilities across contemporary global societies. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 219: American Sign Language (ASL) III. 4 credits.
Focuses on intermediate level skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Increases competencies in person-to-person conversational signing, including expressive and receptive skills, vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 230: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders. 3 credits.
Examines the characteristics, assessment, and diagnosis of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Describes instructional, behavioral, sensory strategies and assistive technology to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Explains the experiences of individuals, groups, or institutions influenced by Autism Spectrum Disorders through an examination of social and behavioral science perspectives. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum. 3 credits.
Examines the academic, social, and behavioral characteristics of individuals with disabilities who access the general curriculum, including students with learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disability, autism, and attention deficit disorder. Focuses on etiology, contributing factors, impact on life and family, the challenges of identifying students with disabilities, and the need for intensive instruction, accommodations, and support. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 251: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports. 3 credits.
Focuses on describing how school and classroom methods are used to establish effective learning environments for individuals with varying degrees of disabilities. Explores classroom and behavior management including technology, social skills, and effective teaching behaviors. Emphasizes developing school and classroom behavior management plans. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
300 Level Courses
EDSE 311: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides an overview of the characteristics of and services to persons with blindness and visual impairments, including the impact of blindness and visual impairment on infants' and children's growth and development, child and adolescent emotional and social development, and family interaction patterns. Considers the educational, conceptual, psychosocial, and physical implications of a visual impairment. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 315: American Sign Language (ASL) IV. 4 credits.
Focuses on strengthening expressive and receptive communication in American Sign Language (ASL) through the development of narrative and storytelling skills. Explores the importance of these skills within the Deaf Community. Explores issues of multiculturalism, linguistic code-switching, and language dominance, particularly in relationship to Deaf education. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 316: American Sign Language (ASL) V. 3 credits.
Focuses on advanced skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Increases fluency and competencies in person-to-person conversational signing, including expressive and receptive skills, vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 341: Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development. 3 credits.
Examines language, reading, and writing skills for typical and atypical students, and describes language, reading and writing instruction for students with disabilities who access the general curriculum. Explores emergent literacy skills, sound and symbol relationships, spelling development, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, and comprehension. Analyzes informal assessment methods to monitor students’ reading and writing progress. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 351: Technology Integration for Specialized Instruction. 3 credits.
Reviews applications of recent educational and assistive technology for instruction. Evaluates strategies for effective integration of mainstreamed instructional technology to promote student learning, successful implementation of individualized assistive technology to access general education curriculum, and delivery of accessible online and blended instruction to all learners through technology-based innovations and Universal Design for Learning. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 352: Assessment. 3 credits.
Offers knowledge and learning activities related to assessment of students with varying degrees of disabilities. Includes statistical and psychometric concepts in assessment. Addresses norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, curriculum-based, and informal assessment for instructional and placement decisions. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports. 3 credits.
Focuses on identifying, recording, evaluating, and developing comprehensive plans for changing social and academic behaviors of individuals with disabilities. Emphasizes analyzing the function of individuals’ behaviors and developing responsive behavior intervention plans. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 354: Consultation and Collaboration. 3 credits.
Provides professionals in special education, general education, and related fields with knowledge and skills necessary for collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders. Emphasizes developing and implementing individualized education programs for individuals with disabilities using a team approach. Demonstrates active listening, group process, and problem-solving strategies. Notes: Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 361: Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines the academic, social, medical, and behavioral characteristics of individuals with severe disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, and severe/multiple cognitive, physical and/or sensory disabilities. Focuses on etiology, contributing factors, impact on life and family, the challenges of identifying students with disabilities, and the need for intensive instruction, accommodations, and support. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 362: Communication with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Provides an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with severe speech and language impairments. Addresses the knowledge and skills needed to assess the potential AAC user, make team decisions, develop and implement instruction, and evaluate the effects of instruction aimed at motivating, building, and expanding communication, choice-making, and social interaction. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 381: Exploratory Field Experience in Special Education. 3 credits.
Introduces students to the role of the special educator in academic and non-academic environments with students across disability areas. Facilitates observation and understanding of the professional work of special educators. Initiates critical reflection focused on examining special education theory and research in application. Includes a 2-hour weekly seminar and a total of 20 field experience hours. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
400 Level Courses
EDSE 410: Deaf History. 3 credits.
Studies the history of the Deaf people in Europe and its influence on the Deaf people in the United States. Explores the Deaf people’s experience as an oppressed minority similar to the experience of many oppressed populations. Applies knowledge to understanding the attitudes toward Deaf people today. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 412: Braille Code. 3 credits.
Provides understanding of the literary code of braille and its implications for educational/literacy programs for students with blindness and visual impairments. Enables students to better understand the braille code and how to teach it to students who are blind and visually impaired. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 413: Medical and Educational Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides an introduction to anatomy and physiology of the visual system and the educational implications of visual pathology. Covers anatomy of the human eye, visual development, pathology of the eye, examination procedures for the identification of visual pathology, and the effects of pathology on visual learning and development. Field experience is required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 414: Orientation and Mobility for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 2 credits.
Provides the foundation for understanding the components and essence of orientation and mobility (O&M). Establishes how the need for independent travel in the blind population created the field of O&M. Explores the philosophy and history of orientation and mobility, including cane instruction, dog guides, and methods of travel. Addresses techniques in developing orientation skills and basic mobility instruction. Emphasizes motor and concept skill development. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 417: Teaching Methods for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Emphasizes methods of teaching compensatory skills, the core curriculum, and technology for use by students who are blind and visually impaired. Addresses curriculum development, adaptations, and teaching methodology for individuals with blindness and visual impairments. Provides information on adaptations within various educational programs and adaptation of general education classroom materials and procedures for use with students who are blind and visually impaired. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 418: Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides students with knowledge and understanding of the educational assessment of students who are blind, visually impaired, and have additional disabilities including deaf-blindness. Provides practice assessing and planning educational programs for students with blindness and visual impairments. Addresses assessment of technology for students with blindness and visual impairments. Examines determination of learning needs and appropriate learning media, relationship of assessment, IEP development, and placement. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 419: Braille Reading and Writing. 3 credits.
Provides instruction on transcription of advanced braille codes, including mathematics (Unified English Braille (UEB) and Nemeth), music, foreign language, and other specialized codes. Introduces techniques for teaching skills in each code. Explores technology tools used to create braille and tactile materials in addition to other assistive technologies used for instruction in science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 420: Deaf History and Culture. 3 credits.
Studies the history of the Deaf people in Europe and its influence on the Deaf people in the United States. Explores the Deaf people’s experience as an oppressed minority similar to the experience of many oppressed populations. Applies knowledge to understanding the attitudes toward Deaf people today. Studies the cultural practices, ideology, power, identity, and heritage of Deaf people in the United States. Analyzes Deaf community as a part of societal diversity. Emphasizes issues of multiculturalism, linguistic code-switching, and language dominance. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 441: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Writing. 3 credits.
Integrates knowledge of language assessments and the components of quality reading instruction to plan well-sequenced and explicit instruction for students with disabilities in the general education curriculum. Examines objectives that align with curriculum standards while still providing individualization. Implements and applies reading and writing instruction to support learning in all content areas. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 443: Instructional Strategies for Math. 3 credits.
Integrates foundational knowledge of numeracy acquisition, mathematical concepts, mathematical thinking, mathematics vocabulary, calculation, and problem-solving with instructional methods to plan and deliver well-sequenced and explicit math instruction for students with disabilities in the general education curriculum. Examines objectives that align with the general education curriculum Virginia Standards of Learning in mathematics at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels while still providing individualization. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 445: Clinical Practice and Seminar 1: General. 3 credits.
Provides opportunities in K-12 classrooms to assist in the planning and implementation of effective assessment and instruction for students with disabilities who access the general classroom. Engages candidates in an examination of and reflection on the professional expectations of special education teachers. Requires a 2-hour seminar held nine times throughout the semester and a total of 30 field experience hours. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 446: Clinical Practice and Seminar 2: General. 3 credits.
Applies coursework in Special Education-General Curriculum to planning for, and supervised instruction of, students with disabilities who access the general curriculum in K-12 school settings. Engages candidates in reflection to analyze instruction within the clinical experience setting. Requires a 2-hour seminar held seven times throughout the semester and a minimum of 40 hours of fieldwork in a K-12 clinical experience setting. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 451: Transition and Self-Determination. 3 credits.
Examines relevant legislation and evidence-based practices related to person-centered transition planning for students with varying disabilities throughout the K-12 system and into adult life. Focuses on effective alternative assessment, coordination of community services, functional academic and social/life skills, stakeholder involvement, employment, and independent living. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 452: Intersectionality and Disability. 3 credits.
Examines disability within a diversity and intersectionality context in K-12 schools. Analyzes how diversity and intersectionality informs the educational experience of individuals with and without disabilities to include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and home language and culture. Assesses how cultural competency and intersectionality awareness on the part of educators enhance the school success of all students. Develops educator capacity to implement research-based interventions in diverse settings for ALL students. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 463: Curriculum and Methods in Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Focuses on current best practices in curriculum and methods for individuals with severe disabilities including specific strategies for teaching individuals with severe disabilities, general strategies for working with heterogeneous groups of individuals in inclusive settings, and methods for adapting the general education curriculum to include individuals with severe disabilities. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 465: Clinical Practice and Seminar 1: Adapted (Severe Disabilities). 3 credits.
Provides opportunities in K-12 classrooms to assist in the planning and implementation of effective assessment and instruction for students with disabilities who access the adapted curriculum and who have severe disabilities. Engages candidates in an examination of and reflection on the professional expectations of special education teachers. Requires a 2-hour seminar held nine times throughout the semester and a total of 30 field experience hours. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 466: Clinical Practice and Seminar 2: Adapted (Severe Disabilities). 3 credits.
Applies coursework in Special Education-Adapted Curriculum (Severe Disabilities) to planning for, and supervised instruction of, students with severe disabilities who access the adapted curriculum in K-12 school settings. Engages candidates in reflection to analyze instruction within the clinical experience setting. Requires a 2-hour seminar held seven times throughout the semester and a minimum of 40 hours of fieldwork in a K-12 clinical experience setting. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to two attempts.
EDSE 467: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Individuals with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines the complexity of language acquisition and literacy development. Focuses on typical and atypical language development, connections between language and literacy, and diversity of communication styles in families and cultures. Emphasizes first and second language acquisition. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 469: Individualized Supports and Specialized Care of Students with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Focuses on the unique physical, sensory, communication, and health and medical needs of students with severe disabilities. Examines how these needs impact the educational program, how special education and related services are delivered, and how to design academic, functional and behavioral instruction and adaptations to meet those needs. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 481: Internship: Professional Services. 12 credits.
Applies university coursework in Special Education to individuals with disabilities in a variety of community or school-based settings in supervised internship. Applies coursework, theories, and research to professional service settings. Sites chosen by client/stakeholders after approval of faculty supervisors. Includes a 2- hour seminar held six times throughout the year. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 482: Internship: General Curriculum. 12 credits.
Applies university coursework in Special Education-General Curriculum to instruction of students with disabilities who access the general curriculum in two supervised internship settings, including an elementary and secondary school placement. Includes a 2-hour seminar held six times throughout the semester and a minimum of 300 hours in the school placements (with at least 150 direct teaching hours). Note: Prior to registration, students must demonstrate that VDOE-required teacher assessments and First Aid/CPR/AED certification for licensure have been met, and application for internship must be on file by program deadline. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 483: Internship: Adapted (Severe Disabilities). 12 credits.
Applies university coursework in Special Education-Adapted Curriculum to instruction of students with severe disabilities who access the adapted curriculum in two supervised internship settings, including an elementary and secondary school placement. Includes a 2-hour seminar held six times throughout the semester. Note: Prior to registration, students must demonstrate that VDOE-required teacher assessments and First Aid/CPR/AED certification for licensure have been met. Application for internship must be on file by program deadline. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
EDSE 484: Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments. 12 credits.
Applies, in supervised internship, university coursework in Blindness and Visual Impairments to instruction of children and their families in school settings. Note: Prior to registration students must demonstrate that VDOE-required teacher assessments and First Aid/CPR/AED certification for licensure have been met, and application for internship must be on file by program deadline. Offered by
School of Education. Limited to three attempts.
500 Level Courses
EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education. 3 credits.
Provides a survey of current knowledge on individuals with disabilities within the context of human growth and development across the lifespan. Includes historical factors, legal aspects, etiology, characteristics, assessment, evidence-based practices, and support services for individuals having needs for intervention ranging from mild to severe. Includes the impact of disabilities on academic, social, and emotional performances framed within the teaching profession as a whole. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 502: Classroom Management and Individualized Behavior Supports. 3 credits.
Focuses on behavior change principles, positive behavior intervention strategies, and effective classroom management techniques. Emphasizes theory and practical application and approaches to creating supportive classroom environments. Explores individual functions of behavior and behavior management plans for students with disabilities, emphasizing ethical use of evidence-based practices. Note: Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 503: Language Development and Reading. 3 credits.
Identifies literacy skills for typical and atypical students, and describes reading, language, and writing instruction for students with mild disabilities who access the general curriculum. Explores emergent literacy skills, phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, and comprehension. Note: Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 511: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides an overview of the characteristics of and services to persons with blindness and visual impairments, including the impact of blindness and visual impairment on infants' and children's growth and development, child and adolescent emotional and social development, and family interaction patterns. Considers the educational, conceptual, psychosocial, and physical implications of a visual impairment. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 512: Braille Code. 3 credits.
Provides understanding of the literary code of braille and its implications for educational/literacy programs for students with blindness and visual impairments. Enables students to better understand the braille code and how to teach it to students who are blind and visually impaired. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 513: Medical and Educational Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides an introduction to anatomy and physiology of the visual system and the educational implications of visual pathology. Covers anatomy of the human eye, visual development, pathology of the eye, examination procedures for the identification of visual pathology, and the effects of pathology on visual learning and development. Field experience is required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 514: Orientation and Mobility for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 2 credits.
Provides the foundation for understanding the components and essence of orientation and mobility (O&M). Establishes how the need for independent travel in the blind population created the field of O&M. Explores the philosophy and history of orientation and mobility, including cane instruction, dog guides, and methods of travel. Addresses techniques in developing orientation skills and basic mobility instruction. Emphasizes motor and concept skill development. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 517: Computer Applications for Special Populations. 3 credits.
Explores the applications of computer technology for instructional programs and computer skills used by teachers of special populations. Provides experience with computer technology designed for special populations. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 518: Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Provides students with knowledge and understanding of the educational assessment of students who are blind, visually impaired, and have additional disabilities including deaf-blindness. Provides opportunities to practice assessing and planning educational programs for students with blindness and visual impairments. Addresses assessment of technology for students with blindness and visual impairments. Examines determination of learning needs and appropriate learning media, relationship of assessment, IEP development, and placement. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 531: Transition and Community-Based Instruction. 3 credits.
Addresses issues in transition for youth with severe disabilities. Covers self-determination, development, and implementation of a transition plan, post-secondary opportunities including education and community-based instruction, and vocational environments. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 532: Positive Behavior Supports. 3 credits.
Focuses on employing concepts and skills to design, implement, and evaluate behavior support programs derived from functional assessment; addressing relevant replacement skills; facilitating generalization and maintenance of skills; and incorporating individually designed crisis intervention procedures. Field experience is required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 533: Assessment and Program Planning for Adapted Curriculum. 3 credits.
Develops knowledge and skills about best special education practice in assessment and evaluation, and IEP and program planning for those preparing to teach K-12 students with disabilities in the adapted curriculum. Note: Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 534: Communication and Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Introduces professionals to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with severe speech and language impairments. Addresses the knowledge and skills needed to assess the potential AAC user, make team decisions, develop and implement instruction, and evaluate the effects of instruction, aimed at motivating, building, and expanding communication, choice-making, and social interaction. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 540: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum. 3 credits.
Examines the characteristics of students with mild disabilities. Focuses on etiology, contributing factors, conditions that affect learning, the challenges of identifying students with disabilities, and the need for academic, social, and emotional accommodations and support. Notes: Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 544: Adapted Instructional Methods and Transition for Secondary Learners. 3 credits.
Provides strategies for teaching functional academics and social/life skills, facilitating the transition to postsecondary environments. Focuses on all aspects of transition and alternative assessments for secondary learners with disabilities. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 547: Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines the academic, social, medical, and behavioral characteristics of individuals with severe disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, and severe/multiple cognitive, physical and/or sensory disabilities. Focuses on etiology, contributing factors, impact on life and family, the challenges of identifying students with disabilities, and the need for intensive instruction, accommodations, and support. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 557: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Individuals with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines the complexity of language acquisition and literacy development. Focuses on typical and atypical language development, connections between language and literacy, and diversity of communication styles in families and cultures. Emphasizes first and second language acquisition. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 562: Foundations of Literacy Development for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines literacy development from a cognitive, behavioral, and social perspective. Provides essential knowledge in language, reading, and writing development and science-based assessment and instruction. Addresses the characteristics of students who demonstrate severe deficits in reading and written language. Examines legislation that addresses the rights of students with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia at the state and federal level. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 563: Oral Language, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonology for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines the components of the English language integrated with the development of literacy skills. Explores assessment of oral language, phonemic awareness, and phonology, and the performance and variability of learning in students with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Investigates environmental, social, and cultural factors, including the impact of second language learning and dual-identification of disability. Evaluates and designs science-based intensive instruction to meet the needs of students who have deficits in phonemic and phonological awareness. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 564: Phonics and Word Recognition for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines and designs science-based intensive instruction to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia who have deficits in phonics, word recognition including morphology, and spelling. Evaluates phonics, word reading including morphology, and spelling, and the fluent use of these skills, for students with reading and writing disabilities using formal and informal measures. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 565: Vocabulary, Text Comprehension & Written Expression for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. 3 credits.
Examines and designs science-based intensive instruction to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia in vocabulary, text reading fluency, comprehension, and written expression. Evaluates vocabulary, text fluency and comprehension, and syntax and written expression skills of students using formal and informal measures. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 567: Practicum for Specialized Reading Instruction for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. 3 credits.
Offers opportunities to demonstrate competencies for implementing intensive, science-based interventions to students who have specific learning disabilities in reading and writing, for monitoring student progress, and for modifying instruction as needed. Prepares candidates to administer and analyze assessments and design interventions for phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, word recognition, morphology, text comprehension, syntax, and written expression. Note: Fieldwork experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 590: Special Education Research. 3 credits.
Describes fundamental concepts and practices in educational research in special education. Covers specific applications of educational research methods to problems in special education. Emphasizes review and critique of special education research, and applied classroom research for teachers. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 597: Special Topics in Education. 1-6 credits.
Provides advanced study on selected topic or emerging issue in Special Education. Offered by
School of Education. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
600 Level Courses
EDSE 613: Teaching Methods for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments. 3 credits.
Emphasizes methods of teaching compensatory skills, the core curriculum, and technology for use by students who are blind and visually impaired. Addresses curriculum development, adaptations, and teaching methodology for individuals with blindness and visual impairments. Provides information on adaptations within various educational programs and adaptation of general education classroom materials and procedures for use with students who are blind and visually impaired. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 615: Cortical and Cerebral Visual Impairment. 3 credits.
Provides an overview of cortical and cerebral visual impairment (CVI) including causes, visual characteristics, assessments, and interventions for students with CVI. Provides participants with opportunities to observe children with CVI across a variety of ages and abilities. Demonstrates effective interventions for children in both home and school settings. Introduces related topics such as literacy, developmental considerations, and general/special education instructional strategies. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 616: Braille Reading and Writing. 3 credits.
Provides instruction on transcription of advanced braille codes, including mathematics (Unified English Braille (UEB) and Nemeth), music, foreign language, and other specialized codes. Introduces techniques for teaching skills in each code. Explores technology tools used to create braille and tactile materials in addition to other assistive technologies used for instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 619: Principles and Procedures of Behavior Analysis. 3 credits.
Focuses on basic procedures of applied behavior analysis; identification of factors that contribute to behavioral problems and improved performance; and procedures that can be used to minimize behavioral problems, improve performance, teach new behaviors, and increase probability of behaviors occurring under appropriate circumstances. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 620: Supporting the Behavior and Sensory Needs of Individuals with Autism. 3 credits.
Describes the behavior and sensory development of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespans. Analyzes the principles of behavior management and the evidence and research-based interventions that have been proven to be effective with individuals with autism and sensory needs. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 621: Applied Behavior Analysis: Empirical Bases. 3 credits.
Focuses on measurement, data display, data interpretation, and experimental design in applied behavior analysis. Prepares candidates to design and use data collection systems, apply data-based decision making, and appropriately deploy single-subject experimental designs in applied situations. Enables candidates to become informed consumers of behavior analytic research. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 622: Philosophical and Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis. 3 credits.
Focuses on basic principles and philosophies of behavior analysis. Identifies historical contributions to modern behavior analysis and identifies seminal individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to behavior analysis. Describes tenets of radical behaviorism. Emphasizes vocabulary and basic research that contributes to a modern understanding of behavioral principles. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 623: Applied Behavior Analysis: Assessments and Interventions. 3 credits.
Expands on basic content of applied behavior analysis and teaches how to implement behavioral procedures and develop behavioral programs for clients with fundamental behavioral needs. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 624: Applied Behavior Analysis: Applications. 3 credits.
Develops capability to deal with more complex behavioral situations, enabling ability to relate to more sophisticated professional issues and environments. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 625: Applied Behavior Analysis: Verbal Behavior. 3 credits.
Expands students’ abilities to deal with more complex behavioral situations and enables students to relate to more sophisticated professional issues and environments. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 627: Assessment. 3 credits.
Offers knowledge and experiential learning activities related to assessment of students with mild disabilities. Includes statistical and psychometric concepts in assessment. Addresses norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, curriculum-based, and informal assessment for instructional and placement decisions. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 634: Characteristics of Individuals with Autism. 3 credits.
Describes the varying characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders across their lifespans including, (a) diagnosis, (b) early childhood, (c) school-age, (d) transition, (e) employment, and (f) aging. Examines definitions, eligibility criteria, incidence rates, and etiology of autism spectrum disorders. Analyzes perspectives from students, families, educational, community, and career personnel. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 635: Interventions for Individuals with Autism. 3 credits.
Analyzes evidence and research-based interventions for individuals with autism in a variety of domains across their lifespans including academic, communication, social, and behavioral. Evaluates methods for prioritizing intervention needs for individuals with autism across their lifespans, developing appropriate interventions to address those needs, and measuring the impact of interventions in a variety of service delivery models. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 636: Supporting Communication and Literacy for Individuals with Autism. 3 credits.
Surveys the characteristics of communication and literacy, as well as the design and implementation of communication systems for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespans. Explains methods for assessment, identification of priorities, and monitoring progress of communication and literacy instruction in order to improve behavior, academic skills, and social interactions in various environments. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 637: Autism Across the Lifespan: Collaboration with Critical Partners. 3 credits.
Examines characteristics, milestones, critical issues, and areas of need for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespans. Prioritizes key features of effective collaboration and partnership. Utilizes a strengths-based problem solving perspective to frame collaboration and partnership for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespans and simulates partnership practices with a variety of stakeholders across the lifespan of an individual with autism spectrum disorder. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 638: Autism Spectrum Disorder: Issues in Assessment and Intersectionality. 3 credits.
Examines the diagnostic criteria used to identify individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the identification and assessment process. Analyzes the role of families in the assessment process and issues and challenges related to identification, diagnosis and assessment. Surveys the intersectionality between ASD and sexuality, sexual identity, gender identity, race, class, and other marginalized identities; the historic and current challenges related to this intersectionality; and ways to address these challenges. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 641: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Writing. 3 credits.
Integrates knowledge of language assessments and the components of quality reading instruction to plan well-sequenced and explicit instruction for students with disabilities in the general education curriculum. Examines objectives that align with curriculum standards while still providing individualization. Implements and applies reading and writing instruction to support learning in all content areas. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 643: Instructional Strategies for Math. 3 credits.
Integrates foundational knowledge of numeracy acquisition, mathematical concepts, mathematical thinking, mathematics vocabulary, calculation, and problem-solving to plan well-sequenced and explicit math instruction for students with disabilities in the general education curriculum. Examines objectives that align with the general education curriculum Virginia Standards of Learning in mathematics at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels while still providing individualization. Field experience required. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 661: Curriculum and Methods: Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Focuses on current best practices in curriculum, and methods for students with severe disabilities, including specific strategies for teaching students with severe disabilities, general strategies for working with heterogeneous groups of students in inclusive settings, and methods for adapting the general education curriculum to include students with severe disabilities. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 662: Consultation and Collaboration. 3 credits.
Provides professionals in special education, regular education, and related fields with knowledge and communication skills necessary for collaborative consultation and technical assistance to other educators and service providers. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 663: Collaborative Teamwork to Support Students with Significant Disabilities. 3 credits.
Focuses on models of teamwork, group decision making, team process, leadership and communication and how they influence services for individuals with significant disabilities and their families. Provides an understanding of collaborative structures and demonstrates knowledge of skills and strategies to maintain effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders in collaborative settings. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 664: Ethical and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysis. 3 credits.
Provides a basis in Behavior Analyst Licensure regulations, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Ethics Code, and professional conduct consistent with the practice of applied behavior analysis. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 669: Individualized Supports and Specialized Care of Students with Severe Disabilities. 3 credits.
Focuses on the unique physical, sensory, communication, and health and medical needs of students with severe disabilities. Examines how these needs impact the educational program, how special education and related services are delivered, and how to design academic, functional and behavioral instruction and adaptations to meet those needs. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
800 Level Courses
EDSE 841: Evaluating Intervention Research. 3 credits.
Provides opportunities for in-depth study, analysis, and discussion of original intervention research in special education with students with disabilities or other at-risk populations. Emphasizes analyzing research methodology, coding original intervention research, analyzing results, synthesizing findings, formulating future research questions relevant to special populations, and gaining an understanding of the submission process for conferences and publications. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 842: Application of Research Standards for Individuals with Disabilities. 3 credits.
Provides knowledge and skills in the application of research standards across different methods for conducting survey research, single-subject, experimental and correlational research, mixed methods, and qualitative research. Emphasizes application to disability-related research across different contexts. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 843: Leading Change in Special Education and Disability Policy. 3 credits.
Examines leadership issues among varied stakeholders within the special education field including leaders in PK-12, higher education, government agencies, and special interest groups. Investigates possible solutions through varied social, educational, and political frameworks. Explores current challenges and opportunities in the effort to support and promote appropriate services for individuals with disabilities through case studies and projects. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 844: Current Issues in Special Education. 3 credits.
Develops understanding of the role of convergent research evidence in addressing current issues in special education practice and policy. Describes current issues in special education and the group experimental, single subject, and qualitative research designs used to address these current issues. Students evaluate research studies in terms of methodological strengths and weaknesses, and their part in providing convergent bodies of evidence that can be used for defining practice and policy. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 845: Personnel Preparation Programs in Special Education. 3 credits.
Provides an in-depth study, analysis, and discussion of personnel preparation programs in special education including: scope and sequence of teacher preparation programs as they align with state and national teacher licensure standards, bodies of accreditation, syllabi development, delivery models, and frameworks for curriculum design; teacher evaluation; and how policies, research, and issues of accountability can transform teacher preparation programs. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 846: Assessment, Evaluation, and Instrumentation in Special Education Research. 3 credits.
Provides in-depth study, analysis and discussion of the past, present and future directions of assessment, evaluation, and instrumentation research in special education. Emphasizes reliability and validity of the research instruments, evaluating research methodology, analyzing results, synthesizing findings with respect to present assessment and evaluation policies; formulating future research questions relevant to assessment and evaluation of individuals with disabilities. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 847: Policy-driven Initiatives in Special Education and Disability Research. 3 credits.
Addresses contemporary initiatives in special education and disability research: those introductory and leading actions intended to implement positive change, that can be promoted by federal agencies, professional or advocacy organizations. Focuses on understanding of policy-driven special education initiatives in special education and disability research through evaluation and analysis. Discusses and studies background, relevant legislative history, existing empirical evidence, and designing future research addressing contemporary initiatives. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.
EDSE 885: Writing Grants. 3 credits.
Focuses on identification of funding sources, description of grant components, and development of grant budgets. Includes independent writing of an entire small grant, a significant portion of a large grant, and participation in grant peer-review process. Offered by
School of Education. May not be repeated for credit.