BA in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment for K-12 Teacher Certification
Siena Heights University
Key Information
Campus location
Adrian, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 545 / per credit
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Introduction
The primary goal of the Special Education program is to develop self-confident, inquisitive, and thoughtful educators who are grounded in the breadth and depth of Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Impairments.
The philosophy of the Special Education program is based on beliefs that influence the nature and content of instructional offerings. Emphasis is placed on incorporating practical application with theoretical discussion and legal/ethical aspects of facilitating the learning of children with disabilities.
Siena Heights University’s philosophy of preparing special education students to teach individuals with Cognitive Impairment is built on 10 major points:
- Education is for all individuals.
- Individuals with cognitive impairment are better served when programs are determined by individual learning needs and not categorical labels.
- Accurate data is the driving force of educational programs and are the foundation for the goals and objectives of an educational program.
- The full continuum of placements and all educational and community resources must be available to individuals with cognitive impairment. The determination of the least restrictive placement must be based on assessment data.
- The education of individuals with cognitive impairment should begin as early as possible and continue as long as needed. In all facets of life, transitions from one period to the next are critical.
- The program for preparing teacher education candidates to teach individuals with cognitive impairment should cover all areas of learning including academic, social, daily living, and prevocational/vocational. The program must be based on research data and best practices.
- The standard curriculum is the base for building an individual educational program for individuals with cognitive impairment.
- The schools, as well as the teachers and other school professionals, are an integral part of the community. The special education teacher should provide both direct and indirect services and support to the community.
- A role of a teacher education program is to meet the educational needs of Michigan individuals.
- The Michigan Department of Education’s standards, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and current best practices should be the platform on which the teacher education program builds. A goal of the program is to provide leadership in the development of an improved instructional program.
Accreditation
Siena Heights University’s Division of Education was granted national accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the full seven years, from Spring 2020 to Spring 2027. This accreditation certifies the forenamed professional initial certification programs have provided evidence of meeting all CAEP’s standards.
Program Distinctions
- The graduate hiring rate of 100 percent;
- A total of 74 percent of courses have clinical field experience;
- Hands-on modeling of instruction.
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Scholarships and Funding
Did you know that approximately 90 percent of undergraduate students on the Adrian campus receive some form of financial assistance? Our admissions counselors and financial aid experts are committed to helping you find the best financial solutions for your education. Siena offers a wide range of opportunities that may be right for you, including:
- Academic scholarships
- Arts scholarships
- Athletic scholarships
- Campus Ministry scholarships
- Grants
- Work-study programs
- Federal loans
Your university financial aid package may include some or all of the above, resulting in a customized plan that makes Siena Heights University affordable for your family.
Curriculum
Special Education Endorsement: Cognitive Impairment
Program Requirements: 41-44 credit hours
- SED 312 Introduction to Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 341 Procedures in Special Education 2 credit hours
- SED 342 Parent-School Partnership: Special Education 2 credit hours
- SED 343 Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities 3 credit hours
- SED 344 Early Childhood and Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 345 Collaboration in Special Education 3 credit hours
- SED 349 Culture and Diversity in Special Education 1 credit hours
- SED 351 Behavior Management 2 credit hours
- SED 381 Nature and Need of Individuals with Cognitive Impairment 3 credit hours
- SED 382 Methods and Strategies for Teaching Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment 2 credit hours *
- SED 383 Methods and Strategies for Teaching Individuals with Moderate to Severe Cognitive Impairment 2 credit hours
- SED 384 Transition and Career Education for Individuals with Disabilities 3 credit hours
- SED 385 Strategies for Fundamental Reading and Functional Reading 2 credit hours
- SED 421 Educational Technology and Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities 1 credit hours
- SED 480 Directed Teaching 8-11 credit hours *
- SED 495 Directed Teaching Seminar 1 credit hour *
Total for Major (Elementary): 50-53 credit hours
Total for Major (Secondary): 44-75 credit hours
Total for Endorsement: 41-44 credit hours
Liberal Arts: 35 credit hours
Education Core (Elementary): 35-38 credit hours
Education Core (Secondary): 36-39 credit hours
Total for Degree (Elementary): 155-166 credit hours
Total for Degree (Secondary): 160-196 credit hours
Other Requirements
*Denotes those courses which are required to be taken in residence at the Siena Heights University Adrian campus. SED 480 and SED 495 are residency requirements and all student teaching placements should be made in Lenawee, Hillsdale, or Monroe counties.
- Successful completion of SED 312 or EDU 312 is required prior to taking any other course in the Cognitive Impairment Program.
- The education certification requirements may be taken concurrently with endorsement requirements; however, EDU 480/EDU 495 must be completed before SED 480/SED 495.
- All students pursuing a Special Education degree or certification in Cognitive Impairment must earn a 2.0 g.p.a. grade or better in each required course.