NSU Catalog 2016-2017 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
NSU Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education


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Gerber, Room 112
(605) 626-2415

Ms. Jessica Vogel; Dr. Cheryl Wold

The special education program at Northern State University prepares teacher candidates for K-12 certification in special education. Special education candidates may elect to combine their major in special education with a major in elementary, secondary, or another K-12 education program. Candidates are assigned an advisor from the Department of Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education once the major is declared.

Northern State University also offers a minor in special education; the minor is designed to better prepare general education classroom teachers to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. (NOTE: The minor does not prepare students for certification in special education.)

Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized, and candidates are provided the preparation necessary to create lessons that actively involve students and meet students individual needs. Extensive field experiences in K-12 classrooms under the supervision of university faculty provide candidates with the practical experience and assistance necessary to apply theory and best practices gained in the university classrooms.

Special education candidates fulfill requirements in general education and take the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam in their freshman year; they begin professional education coursework in their sophomore year. Special education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 and a 2.60 GPA in the major. For more information regarding admission requirements and certification policies, see Teacher Education  in this catalog.

Special education candidates are encouraged to complete endorsements in blind and visually impaired and Braille education. In addition, candidates may add any K-12, 7-12 or middle level endorsements to their K-12 certification.

Career Directions

Teacher of children with special needs in K-12 classrooms
Resource room teacher
Agencies for children with special needs
Graduate study

Programs

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