Special Education, B.S.

Core Curriculum: 38 - 51 credit hours

Please review the Core Curriculum  page for course options.

Core Designations

Students completing a degree in education will meet the 6-hours required in Global Studies or Community Engagement core designation by the following course:

Community Engagement

• ED 495 Final Clinical Experience (5-10)  

Special Education Requirements (80 credit hours)

• ED 185 - Practicum (2-3)
• ED 206 - Creative Activities & Physical Movement (3)
• ED 207 - Geometry for Elementary & Middle School Teachers (3)
• ED 229 - Developmental & Educational Psychology (3)
• ED 230 - Children’s Literature (3)
• ED 235 - Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3)
• ED 245 - Tests & Measurements (3)
• ED 287 - Multicultural Foundations of Education (3)
• ED 308 - Math Methods for Elementary Teachers (3)
• ED 315 - General Methods & Differentiated Learning (3)
• ED 320 - Technology in Education (3)
• ED 337 - Elementary Social Studies Methods (3)
• ED 340 - Elementary Science Methods (2)
• ED 341 - Foundations of Literacy & Language Development (3)
• ED 343 - Language Arts Methods (3)
• ED 353 - Analysis & Characteristics: Cross Categorical (4)
• ED 358 - Methods & Curriculum: Cross Categorical (4)
• ED 361 - Language Acquisition & Development (3)
• ED 363 - Educational Assessment (3)
• ED 364 - Consultation, Collaboration & Family Engagement: Special Education (1)
• ED 367 - Transition/Career Education (2)
• ED 370 - Assessment & Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
• ED 381 - Health & Safety Issues in a School Setting (1)
• ED 386 - Advanced Elementary Practicum (2-3)
• ED 419 - Managing the Learning Environment (3)
• ED 494 - Final Clinical Experience Seminar (1-2)
• ED 499 - Education Capstone (1)
• GG 101 - World Geography (3)
• PS 120 - American National Government (3)

Technology Requirement

Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of ED 320  within the major. 

Special Education Note

Teacher candidates in the special education major must complete both elementary education and special education coursework. Teacher candidates will conduct student teaching in both an elementary and a special education classroom. Upon completion of the degree, candidates will be prepared for Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical certification along with elementary education.

Education Policies

A. Teacher Candidacy Requirements

Teacher Candidates must apply for formal advancement to Teacher Candidacy prior to enrolling in the mid-level experience in his/her program. Candidacy is based on the following criteria:

• Successfully passed ED 185 Practicum with a grade of B or better
• Received positive evaluations in ED 185 from
  • the TEXT mentor
  • the course instructor
  • the site supervisor
• Transfer students who transfer in ED 185 Practicum, must receive a Professional Dispositions form from an Avila Education faculty member
• Grade of C or better in the following courses:
  • Composition I or Composition II
  • Communication
• Grade Point Average Requirements
  • Overall - 2.75 or above for all college courses
  • Education courses - 3.0 or above with no grade below a “C”
  • Content Area - 3.0 or above with no grade below a “C” (middle school, secondary, and K-12 certifications only)
• Pass all sections of the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA) or have an ACT composite score of 20 or above
• Evidence of good character, positive attitude, and dedication to the ethics of the teaching profession, based on professional disposition evaluations from Avila faculty, site supervisors, and TEXT mentors.

The School of Education reserves the right to refuse admission into the teacher education program to any person who has been convicted of a felony or has otherwise committed an offense inappropriate for a teacher.

B. Graduation Requirements

• Completion of all core and degree requirements
• Completion of at least 120 credit hours
• Earn the following Grade Point Average requirements
  • Overall - 2.75 or above for all college courses
  • Education courses - 3.0 or above with no grade below a “C”
  • Content Area - 3.0 or above with no grade below a “C” (middle school, secondary, and K-12 certifications only)
• Receive positive professional dispositions recommendations in all field-based and clinical experience courses

More detailed information about the School of Education’s programs and policies can be found in the School of Education’s Student Handbook.

Note: In order to receive initial teacher certification, students must pass the appropriate Missouri Content Assessment exam (MoCA). Students must meet with the Certification Officer to ensure all certification requirements are completed. A current list of initial certification requirements can be found on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website: https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification.

Outcomes

Conceptual Framework for the School of Education

In addition to the general degree requirements stated earlier in this catalog, education majors must meet the following three program outcomes identified in the Conceptual Framework. These outcomes are aligned with the Missouri Teacher Standards and Quality Indicators. These outcomes are designed to produce excellent teachers who meet the university and School of Education missions.

Learning Outcomes

1. The candidate will use theoretical knowledge, research, and culturally responsive practices to create a positive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students.
2. The candidate will apply principles, theories, and methods of effective curriculum design, instruction, and assessment to promote the learning, critical thinking skills, and social responsibilities of all student populations. 
3. The candidate models professionalism through effective internal and external communication, self-reflection and professional growth, and productive and effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Alignment matrices showing the relationship between Conceptual Framework Outcomes and Missouri Teacher Standards and Quality Indicators are available in the School of Education office. Individual course syllabi show the ways the courses address and evaluate University Wide Outcomes, and the Missouri Teacher Standards and Quality Indicators.

Assessment

Conceptual Framework outcomes and Missouri Teacher Standards and Quality Indicators are assessed through:

1. Advancement processes for Teacher Candidacy and Final Clinical Experience
2. Performance on course assignments and signature assessments, as indicated on course syllabi
3. Performance evaluations in field-based and clinical courses
4. Performance on state certification exams

Accreditation

The School of Education is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information see the School of Education website.