Developmental Disabilities License

With our Developmental Disabilities License, you’ll become adept at implementing and adapting evidence-based instruction methods that will meet the needs of your students with developmental cognitive disabilities and help them succeed. If you're not already a licensed teacher, you will have to complete the Standards of Effective Practice concentration, which meets the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, a requirement for every Tier 3 and Tier 4 K-12 licensed teacher in Minnesota.

Total credits

37

Finish in as few as

18-28 months

Courses

• Instructional Strategies for Students with Mild-Moderate Disabilities (SPED618)

  Interpretation of student performance data, employing differentiation strategies for diverse needs, and applying evidence-based instructional practices for students with mild-moderate disabilities. Creation of positive learning environments and exploration of the connection between faith concepts and K-12 special education. Development of skills for resource search and citation, distinguishing between research-based, non-research-based, and scholarly sources. Development of skills to find, review, and summarize scholarly articles and adhere to APA style while linking academic research to evidence-based practices.

  4 credits

• Classroom-based Assessment and Field Experience (SPED655)

  Description of legal, professional, and ethical standards in assessment related to informal assessment measures and environmental factors influencing student achievement and behavior. Description of student’s learning style, strengths, and analysis of behavior based on observations and assessment data. Identification of the influence diversity, age and gender have on assessment.

  4 credits

• Foundations of Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities (SPED661)

  Examination of the historical, legal, and philosophical foundations of educating students with developmental cognitive disabilities. Survey of etiology and characteristics of students, definitions and identification, assessment, and current issues related to disabilities. Integration of personal faith, reflection, vision, and professional development practices to improve service to students and families.

  2 credits

• Instruction and Intervention for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (SPED667)

  Assessment procedures for developmental cognitive disabilities. Assessment selection for data-based, educational decision-making for students with developmental cognitive disabilities/intellectual disabilities. Application of effective education planning and strategies to support improved student outcomes in the areas of social skills, academics, motor skills, communication, self-care, and home and community skills. Collection of professional resources.

  4 credits

• Supporting Students with Intellectual Disabilities Across Systems (SPED669)

  Exploration of how the case manager of students with intellectual disabilities and the special education process can leverage comprehensive systems, agencies, and people within and outside of schools to contribute to positive outcomes for students with complex needs.

  4 credits

• DD: Practicum (SPED779)

  Implementation of procedures necessary to incorporate interventions and IEPs for students with developmental cognitive disabilities using engaging resources. Management of timelines, responsibilities, and consultation with parents, school and community professionals. Analysis of personal and professional growth as a special educator (80 required hours in a special education school setting). FE: DD practicum fee: $100, out-of-region fee: $100, out-of-state fee: varies.

  3 credits

• DD: Student Teaching (SPED784)

  Evaluative procedures used in identifying and understanding students with mild-moderate-severe Developmental Cognitive Disabilities. Collaborative analysis of assessment results and creation of IEPs in a K-12 setting. Design and implementation of appropriate interventions. Analysis of personal and spiritual growth related to the role of a special education professional. 12 weeks supervised teaching experience. FE: DD student teaching fee: $150, out-of-region fee: $100, out-of-state fee: varies.

  4 credits

• Foundations of Education (TEAC521)

  Introduction to the teaching profession and focus on influences shaping education. History, philosophy, psychology, sociology, legal matters, reform, and other current education issues. Student mental health and impact of chemicals in student lives, families, and schools. Personal growth planning, collaboration, and connection between professional responsibilities and personal faith and values.

  2 credits

• Educational Psychology (TEAC524)

  Identification of different approaches to K-12 students’ development, learning, performance, and critical elements needed to structure an effective learning environment. Understanding of the developmental process of language acquisition and the influence of culture on learning. Synthesis of early assessment theory and current issues. Description of theories that influence learning and behavior related to the learning environment. Integration of Christian or personal faith perspective of learning.

  4 credits

• General Methods of Instruction (TEAC526)

  Development of effective lesson plans that include all required components. Creation of effective long-range plans, assessments, and evaluations. Design of lesson plans that integrate a variety of instructional strategies and incorporate student assets including language and culture. Description of appropriate data practices related to student assessment and progress. Planning of opportunities that utilize culturally responsive practice to engage all students and especially multilingual learners and those who have been historically marginalized.

  4 credits

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (TEAC528)

  Identification of various groups in American communities and skills to foster culturally affirming communication and collaboration. Description of Minnesota-based American Tribal Nations and communities. Analysis of how biases, discrimination, prejudices, racism, and sexism impact student learning in the classroom and influence personal identity. Recognition of the impact school environments and practices have on the delivery of equitable education.

  4 credits

• School-Wide Systems Field Experience (TEAC595)

  Supervised observation in K-12 inclusive education setting. Analysis of student needs, classroom environments, and related cultural factors. Development of a personal standard for effective teaching. Implementation of effective lesson plans. Identification of MN edTPA language. Impact of personal faith on the special education teacher role. SP: 30 hours over 8 weeks.

  1 credits

• Student Teaching Seminar (TEAC751)

  Analysis of the impact communication and teaching practices have on student learning. Consideration of the learner’s needs while aligning an instructional plan to help ensure student success. Application of appropriate academic language related to lesson planning, instruction, and assessment in the K-12 environment. FE: EdTPA fee $300. GE: Graded on an S/U basis.

  1 credits