Special education program

Saint Martin's University baccalaureate program in special education provides graduates the education and training to work with mildly or moderately handicapped students in an inclusionary kindergarten-12 classroom, a resource room, or a self-contained special education class. Completion of required courses for the teaching major will lead to an institutional recommendation that the student be endorsed in special education by the state of Washington.

The University's education program insures all students have knowledge in the liberal arts. During the professional sequence, students gain knowledge and skills essential to effective teaching and participate in varied field experiences in school classrooms. University faculty, as well as local school district teachers and administrators, participate in the program and contribute to its quality and relevance.

The University's education programs are approved by the Washington State Board of Education. Students completing the elementary, secondary or special education programs are eligible for state certification. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sometimes makes changes in certificate requirements that take precedence over requirements outlined in the University's academic catalog and this brochure.

Saint Martin's has been authorized by the Washington Board of Education to offer teacher certificate endorsements in the following fields: biology, chemistry, choral music, drama, early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, French, Japanese, English/language arts, instrumental music (piano), mathematics, music (general), health and fitness, reading, Spanish, social studies, and special education.

An added endorsement in the preceding fields requires 20 to 47 semester hours or an academic major in its respective discipline.

Contact an education advisor for assistance in developing an approved endorsement program.

The University's special education program provides:

• a rigorous educational environment in which faculty members work closely with their students
• Quality curriculum library and computer facilities
• A faculty with extensive experience as University educators and in the kindergarten-12 education system
• Small classes, allowing students to receive individual attention, and
• Necessary class, library, computer and field experiences to support the University's teacher education programs.

Saint Martin's education students can become members in the Student Washington Education Association (SWEA), an active education club on campus, and/or take part in other informal activities that allow professional development in their chosen major. Seminars with guest speakers from the education profession and field trips also are part of the University experience.

An outline of the University's special education program is given below. To insure proper sequencing of courses, students planning to enter the program must consult an advisor from the College of Education prior to taking courses at the University.

Special education program
Grades kindergarten-12

General education
(45-51 semester hours)
General University degree requirements are listed in the academic programs and policies section of the Academic Catalog.

Preprofessional courses
(27-28 semester hours)
Required before admission to the special education program as a certificate candidate:
PSY 101 Introduction to psychology
ED 204 Introduction to education
ED 205 or PSY 205 Child and adolescent development
ENG 101 College writing I
ENG 102 College writing II
One speech or acting course
CSC 160 Introduction to computer technology
MTH 101 or higher level math course
SOC 396 Intercultural communications
-or-
SOC 302 Sex, race and disability

Basic courses
(59-60 semester hours)
Includes an endorsement in special education
ED 300 ED competency seminar (may be required for some students)
ED 306 Curriculum and instruction
TED 312 Technology in the classroom
ED 360 Classroom management
ED 370 Classroom assessment
ED 371 Education law
ED 383 Issues of abuse/Teacher as counselor
ED 424 Issues and trends - early childhood education
ED 477 Reading diagnosis
SED 359 Introduction to exceptionality
SED 461 Instructional methods for exceptional learners
SED 463 Management strategies for exceptional learners
SED 465 Transition to adulthood for exceptional learners
SED 466 Assessment of exceptional learners
SED 467 Legal issues and the IFSP/IEP
SED 469 Seminar and practicum in special education
MED 545 School drug prevention and counseling
SED 493 Student teaching: special education
ED 498 Student teaching seminar: special education