BHSU K-12 SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

HELP EVERYONE LEARN

• • WORK WITH STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
    A core philosophy of Special Education (SPED) is that all students can learn. The BHSU SPED program will prepare you through specialized training in instructional methods, behavior management, assessment, and assistive technologies for students with disabilities. Following completion of the program, you will be well-equipped to serve as an effective and dynamic SPED teacher.

• BECOME PREPARED AND GET CERTIFIED
  The Black Hills State University K – 12 SPED program will prepare you to become a certified SPED teacher in Kindergarten through High School classrooms; therefore, the K-12 SPED degree will provide you with the option of teaching a variety of disabilities at any age level. You will gain field experience through an internship in a special education classroom, and a general education classroom as well. Core SPED classes are offered online. On-campus opportunities are offered through webinars, guest speakers, and membership in our student organizations.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

• • LEARN FROM EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS
    The K – 12 Special Education teacher education program is rigorous and taught by faculty who hold doctorates in the field of Special Education, and have several years of experience as public school SPED teachers. The SPED faculty at BHSU will provide you with learning opportunities focused on real-world applications of state-of-the-art educational research.

• • ABUNDANT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    Investing time in a K-12 Special Education degree is investing time in job security. Currently there is a national shortage of Special Education teachers. At any given point in time, there are hundreds of vacant Special Education teaching positions ready to be filled in every state. Special Education teachers are eligible for $17,500 dollars of federal loan forgiveness. As a K-12 SPED major, you will have access to several grants and other tuition-assistance opportunities. Furthermore, many school districts offer competitive salaries, additional stipends, and substantial sign-on bonuses for SPED teachers.

• ON-CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
  By participating in student organizations you have will have the chance to attend and present at state and national conferences. As a student at BHSU you will have access to research opportunities which will aid you in advancing your knowledge and career quickly.

Special Education Major Course Requirements

Pre-Professional Core - 16 semester hours

• EDFN 338 - Foundations of American Education
• EDFN 295 - Practicum: Pre-Admission 
• EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology
• EPSY 428 - Child & Adolescent Development
• HLTH 251 - First Aid & CPR
• INED 411 - South Dakota Indian Studies
• PSYC 101 - General Psychology

Special Ed Core - 32 semester hours

• SPED 100 - Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities
• SPED 406 - Introduction to Assistive Technology
• SPED 410 - Behavior Management of Exceptional Children
• SPED 413 - Students with MR, DD, and Severe Disabilities
• SPED 417 - Vocational-Transitional Programming
• SPED 420 - Curriculum & Instructional Strategies K-12
• SPED 431 - Identification and Assessment in Special Education
• SPED 453 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
• SPED 460 - Family Systems and Professional Collaboration
• SPED 495 - Practicum: Special Education
• Take one course from the following:
  ELED 459 - Intro to Literacy Assessment & Remediation
  PE 352 - Adapted Physical Education
  PSYC 451 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
  SPED 485 - Special Education Law

Teaching Core - 25 semester hours

• EDFN 365 - Computer-Based Technology & Learning
• EDFN 375 - Methods of Technology Integration
• EDFN 440 - Classroom Management
• MLED 480 - Middle Level Methods
• SEED 408 - Plan, Manage & Assess the 7-12 Diverse Classroom

• SEED 450 - 7-12 Reading & Content Literacy

• ELED 315 - Foundations & Theory of Reading

• ELED 495 - Practicum: Pre-Student Teaching

• SEED 495 - Practicum: Pre-Student Teaching

• EDFN 475 Human Relations
• SPED 488 - Student Teaching in Special Education

Gen Ed Requirements

• ENGL 101
• ENGL 201
• SPCM - Gen Ed - Speech (1 class) - 3 semester hours
• MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics (1 class) - 3 semester hours
• Gen Ed - Social Science (2 classes from different subjects) - 6 semester hours
• Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities (2 classes from different subjects or a foreign language sequence) - 6 semester hours
• Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab (2 classes/corresponding labs) - 6-8 semester hours

*Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.

Internships and field experiences are an important part of our education programs and are coordinated by the faculty.  Students spend a minimum of 45 hours in the classrooms during their sophomore year, 100 hours during their junior year, and end their program with a 16 week student teaching experience.

The local chapter of the American Association on Mental Retardation and the Student Council for Exceptional Children (AAMR/SCEC) is an excellent opportunity for BHSU students.  You can join the group and expand your education with special and exceptional needs through activities and conventions.  The group hosts several local activities, including holiday dances for the Northern Hills Training Center and the Black Hills Special Services groups.  In the past, the group has participated in an annual Chili Feed and an open forum on special education.  Fundraisers such as the Silent Auction and Ladies’ Night Out are also an important part of AAMR/SCEC.  Members raise money to help them attend state and national conventions.

Several other student organizations, such as the Black Hills Association for the Education of Young Children, Honors Program, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Reading Council, are also available.