Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Education in Special Education major is to prepare students for licensure in Special Education. Emphasis is placed on educational theory, pedagogy, behavioral interventions, and curriculum development for students with disabilities accessing the general curriculum. This program is defined by the federal guidelines, state guidelines of the Virginia Department of Education, the Counsel for Exceptional Children, and national accreditation. The guidelines for this major are subject to change based on federal and state regulations or national accreditation for the licensure of special education. This program leads to a Virginia license and is intended to prepare teachers to serve in Special Education classrooms.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Formulate knowledge of learner development, learning difference, and learning environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the discipline area and the application of content to connect concepts and engage learners.
• Plan instruction using multiple methods of assessment and instructional strategies to develop a deep understanding of the content for all learners.
• Develop a Biblical worldview and professional responsibility through ongoing reflection and professional development experiences where opportunities are provided for leadership and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Use evidence-based practices and student characteristics along with theory on human behavior and development to assess, plan, and teach individuals with exceptionalities.

Admission Requirements

1. Gate 3 Application Requirements*:
   1. Deadline for Submission
      1. Fall Student Teaching (ST) Semester: January 15
      2. Spring Student Teaching (ST) Semester: August 15
2. Degree Completion Plan Audit
   1. 3.0 GPA
   2. Gate 2 Acceptance
3. Licensure Exams (Official Score Reports with PASSING Scores)
   1. Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
   2. Praxis Subject Assessment(s) (Specific to endorsement(s))
   3. Praxis Teaching Reading (Elementary/Special Education candidates only)
4. Full Background Clearances
   1. Criminal Background
   2. Virginia Child Abuse
   3. FBI Fingerprints
5. Placement Request
6. Professional Liability Insurance (Christian Educators Association International)
   1. Coverage dates must be valid through end of ST semester
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Results
   1. Results are valid for one year and must be valid through end of ST semester
8. After completion of the required program coursework (including student teaching), content competencies (if applicable), and the passing of licensure tests, the graduate of this program would be eligible for a Virginia state teaching license.

Special Arrangements for Transfer Policies

The following required courses may be fulfilled by transfer credits: EDUC 201 Introduction to Education and Classroom Technology (3 c.h.), EDUC 350 Behavior and Individual Differences (3 c.h.), EDUC 360 Foundations of Education (2-3 c.h.).

Transfer credits submitted by students requesting to fulfill any required B.Ed. courses other than those listed above will undergo departmental review. This departmental review will allow for confirmation that transfer credits into the B.Ed. sufficiently meet licensure competency requirements as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education.

Degree Requirements

Residential Student

The Special Education program will be required three 0-credit hours practicum (EDUC 189, EDUC 289, and EDSP 489) that are 16-weeks with a minimum of 30 required hours in a K12 classroom with a qualified instructor and have a co­requisite with a corresponding content course. Students will be placed in these practicums through the SOE field placement office and will require a background check clearance prior to enrollment.

Online Student

The Special Education program will be required three 0-credit hours practicum (EDUC 188, EDUC 288, and EDSP 488) that are 16-weeks with a minimum of 30 required hours in a K12 classroom with a qualified instructor and have a co­requisite with a corresponding content course. Students will be placed in these practicums through the SOE field placement office and will require a background check clearance prior to enrollment.

Student Teaching

Students will also complete a combined 9-12 credit hours (EDST 477 and EDST 462 or EDST 463, or EDST 464 or EDST 465, OREDST 468 or EDST 469) of students teaching, after passing Gate 3 and necessary licensure exams, over one semester (their final semester in the program) for a total of 16- weeks and minimum of 150 direct instruction clock hours in the classroom. Students will be placed in their student teaching through the SOE field placement office.

Delivery Format: Resident and Online

• Special Education Teacher
• Special Education Coordinator
• Special Education Consultant