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 Undergraduate 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.
• 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 ASSP citation (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 Kindegarten-12

General Education
(45-51 semester hours)
General University degree requirements are listed in the "Acadmic Programs and Policies" section of this catalog.

Pre-professional courses
(27-28 semester hours)
Required before admission to the Special Education Program is 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 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