Department Information
SPED Mission
The Department of Special Education is dedicated to the preparation of educators who establish effective teaching and learning environments for individuals with disabilities in state, national, and global communities.
Unique Features of the
Department of Special Education
Bachelor of Elective Studies Degree
The Bachelor of Elective Studies (BES) degree may be a desirable option for nontraditional students who have taken a significant number of college credits but not enough to declare a major in a particular field. In order to graduate with a BES degree, students must complete the General Education requirements and earn a minimum of 120 semester credits. Students are admitted to the BES degree program in the Office of Continuing Studies, where application forms may be obtained (320) 308-3081. Information about the BES is available at the following address:
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/continuingstudies/bes/
Paraprofessional Option
The BES is a particularly attractive degree option for special education program paraprofessionals who have completed approximately 60 semester credits (credits validated as transfer/program credits by the SCSU Advising Office). Special education paraprofessionals (a minimum of 3 years in both an elementary and secondary setting) are allowed to count their professional employment experiences as field experience. In addition, program paraprofessionals will be allowed to take as many as 12 credits on a nontraditional basis: 9 credits self-paced through the Office of Continuing Studies (CEEP 262, CEEP 361), SPED 203 online, and 3 credits as a competency, test-out option for credit or no-credit (SPED 200).
Paraprofessionals who complete the BES will take as many credits as needed in order to meet graduation requirements. The remaining credits required for special education licensure may be obtained at the graduate level and can be included as part of a Master's degree or a Graduate Certificate program.
Program paraprofessionals qualifying for this option will first pursue learning disabilities licensure. Because of their documented paraeducator experience, they will be able to participate in a methods/practicum block and receive 9 graduate credits at the graduate level that can be applied to a Master's degree or a Graduate Certificate. During the LD summer practicum/methods block, students collaborate in closely supervised teams to develop research- and data-based academic and social interventions (e.g., direct instruction, curriculum-based measurement, and learning strategies).
Undergraduate program professionals pursuing a BES degree with the ultimate goal of completing licensure at the graduate level must meet with a faculty adviser, from whom application forms may be obtained.
COMMUNITY OPTIONS 2 PROJECT
The CO2 Project is a unique partnership with the Department of Special Education and the St. Cloud School District 742 housed on the SCSU campus. This transition program serves youth 18-21 years of age who have developmental/cognitive disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. CO2 students participate in work experience and job training opportunities in an inclusive, age-appropriate setting. Special education teacher candidates have the opportunity to complete field experiences in this program and to participate in transition planning for the students in the program.
MINNESOTA ORGANIZATION ON FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME DISORDERS (FASD): THE TRAINING FOR SCSU TEACHERS PROJECT
The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) works in partnership with the Department of Special Education to provide opportunities for students to earn credits while working with a family and their child who has a diagnosis of FASD. Students assist and monitor the child in the child's home and school setting. The SCSU student can also attend an IEP meeting with the family at the child's school, and possibly attend other therapies the child is receiving. The idea is that the SCSU students will become more knowledgeable about the special needs of children with FASD. Instructors work with the 160 general education and special education majors in the SPED 203 SPED Foundations courses to provide these opportunities for teacher candidates.
LD SUMMER READING AND MATH CAMP
In collaboration with the Sauk Rapids Rice School District, the Department of Special Education at St. Cloud State University conducts a large remedial summer program in reading, writing, and math with over 200 children in grades K-8. The summer camp is designed around two primary purposes. First, it provides an opportunity for eligible SCSU graduate candidates to complete practica (the graduate equivalent of student teaching). Second, the camp is designed to improve the performance of elementary and secondary students experiencing learning difficulties in reading and mathematics.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT CENTER
Candidates enjoy access to the most current adaptive technology and assessment materials at St. Cloud State. The Special Education Department maintains a laboratory with 10 computers to serve both undergraduate and graduate candidates. The ATAC includes one of the finest collections of high- and low-tech adaptive equipment in the Midwest. We update assessment materials (tests, checklists, scoring programs) each semester.
STUDENT COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
St. Cloud State boasts one of the most active SCEC Chapters in the region (http://www.stcloudstate.edu/sped/cec.asp). The Student Council for Exceptional Children is the student arm of the Council for Exceptional Children, the premier professional organization of special education teachers. Each year the SCEC organizes a professional conference. Through this conference, candidates meet many in-service teachers, principals, and directors of special education. Most years, interested SCEC members raise money and attend the national CEC convention, a wonderful professional development and national networking opportunity. Students in the past few years have traveled to Seattle and New Orleans.
