Every child should have an optimal academic and social experience, particularly children with disabilities. However, educators must be fully prepared to plan, assess, collaborate, and address the diverse needs of children with disabilities. The Department currently offers the Special Education Focus Endorsement program. While this program is not an initial licensure program, it is designed to ensure those educators with the endorsement are fully qualified to work with children with disabilities. Interested graduate students must hold a valid IL Professional Educator License (Types 03, 04, 09, or 10).
Admission procedures & requirements
- Contact the Program Advisor for program entry
- Provide evidence of Illinois Professional Educator License (Types 03, 04, 09, or 10)
- Provide evidence of clearance of federal criminal background check as required by the University and cooperating school districts
- Apply for admission as a Graduate Student for students not currently enrolled in a Northeastern program
Required coursework (*27 credit hours)
- SPED 501: Development and Characteristics of Children and Youth with Disabilities (3)
- SPED 503: Historical, Philosophical, & Legal Foundations of Special Education (3)
- SPED 504: Assessment I: Principles of Education Assessment in Special Education (4)
- SPED 506: Instructional and Assistive Technology in Special Education (3)
- SPED 509: Methods I: Specialized Curriculum & Methods in Special Education (3)
- SPED 510: Methods III: Strategies of Behavior Management (3)
- SPED 511: Alternative Programming and Curriculum in Special Education (3)
- SPED 520: Assessment Lab: Applied Diagnostic Assessment (2)
- SPED 514B: Internship III: Applied Teaching in Special Education (3)
*Please note, the LBS I Focus Program Committee may require additional courses based on the evaluation of the candidate’s program entry.
Program Maintenance Criteria Candidates must meet acceptable evaluations of dispositions and professional behaviors.
