St. Cloud State University

Vision and Mission

The primary vision of the Department of Special Education (SPED) is to maximize human potential and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The vision of the Department of Special Education is to prepare personnel who:

1. Demonstrate skill in critical thinking, particularly in dealing with the mismatch and inconsistencies between environmental expectations and learning characteristics.
2. Facilitate problem solving through collaboration, teaming, and consultation.
3. Accept and/or promote the continuum-of-services model.
4. View the individual as a whole person within a world culture.
5. Accept accountability for progressive change within a process orientation.

In order to accomplish this vision, the SPED faculty's mission is to:

1. Prepare well-qualified personnel to function in public schools and community agencies to deliver educational services and increase opportunities for individuals with learning differences.
2. Prepare students to pursue advanced academic study and to contribute to the body of professional knowledge through research and education.
3. Provide continuing education experiences for those providing direct services to children.
4. Program cooperatively with members of the college and university while reflecting the value of multicultural education, services, and experiences.
5. Provide collaboration/consultation services to community agencies, clinics, state departments, and other organizations concerned with the delivery of services to children.

The department will provide qualified personnel to function in the public schools and other agencies charged with the delivery of services to children and youth with disabilities. While the central focus of these efforts is with individuals who provide service to students with disabilities, it also includes general education personnel, parents, paraprofessionals, and ancillary service providers.