SPED 628 Induction and Formative Assessment (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program in the Specialization (MM, MS, DHH, ECSE); Admitted to the Clear Education Specialist Credential Program; Must be taken the first semester of the Program. This introductory course in the Clear Credential Program is designed to facilitate the transition from teacher preparation to induction. An overview of the Program is provided with a focus on developing as a professional special educator and advancing professional knowledge, skills and dispositions. In collaboration with the University instructor and the support provider, candidates develop an Individual Induction Plan (IIP), intended to expand the candidate's knowledge base, with goals and activities completed and assessed throughout the program. This course emphasizes the development of inquiry and implementation of formative assessment activities based on candidates' individual contexts for teaching.

SPED 638. The Role of the Special Educator in the Twenty-First Century (3)
Prerequisite: SPED 628 and/or acceptance into the Masters Program in Special Education. Prerequisite or Corequisite: 6 units of Clear Credential courses from the menu of Options or acceptance into the Masters Program in Special Education. This course is designed for special education teachers to develop advanced knowledge and skills of processes for effective collaboration, consultation and communication in educational settings. The course focuses on the changing role of the special educator, the effective management of caseloads and paraprofessionals, the development of effective communication skills for problem solving, advocacy and leadership, and the challenges inherent in collaborative relationships. Candidates will learn how to build partnerships with other professionals to design instruction that is universally accessible to all learners and learn how to use technology and assistive technology to provide universal access for learners with special needs. Emphasis will be on the unique skills each specialization candidate brings to any collaborative or instructional interaction and to the added value of the special educator as an education specialist. Current research and theoretical positions in the field will be analyzed, while emphasis will be placed on concrete skills for implementation. As this is the final course in the Clear Educational Specialist Program, students will be expected to reflect on their professional development and instructional competencies, and complete their Individualized Instructional Program.