Department of Special Education

EDA 503. Family Systems in Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course bases its objectives on the knowledge of families of children with disabilities as essential for the child's education. The family is studied so that the prospective student can best know how to work with diverse families and family systems.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 506. Legal Issues in Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course presents information on legislation that governs the delivery of special education services. Attention will be given to teachers challenges in implementation and compliance, and writing legally sound IEPs and SAPs.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 508. Introduction to Early Childhood/Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course is an overview of the field of early childhood special education (ECSE). We will explore the processes of early intervention including screening, assessment, instructional programming, integrating children with and without disabilities, and family involvement. Emphasis is placed on assessing and promoting the development of cognitive, language, social, self-help and motor skills.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 510. Collaboration. 3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.

EDA 511. Inclusion & Collaboration. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to prepare teachers to cultural changes evident in American public education with respect to inclusion and the education of students with disabilities. Students will examine their beliefs about inclusion and collaboration, hear new perspectives on these philosophies, learn how to work collaboratively with other professionals and learn practical methods to support all students in the classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

EDA 513. PreK-12 Aspects of Transition. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to have the prospective teacher build their knowledge about two key concepts of Transition Services and programming: systems and programming. Pre-services teacher candidates will be introduced to the core foundation of transition programming for students with exceptionalities across the PK-12 context, specifically the models, structures, and systems of delivery, addressing support structures that serve students with disabilities as they experience horizontal and vertical transitions throughout the PreK-12 school years, and to adult life. They will then learn about the sequential process to follow when developing an Individualized Education Program, focusing specifically on Transition Services, starting with learning about Transition assessment tools, planning, delivery, and analysis, collaborating with key stakeholders and interagency providers, parents/guardians, and students, and addressing critical transition needs through implementation of service and activities, instructional strategies, related services, and specially designed instruction that promote post-school success.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 513 requires prerequisites of EDA 542, or equivalent introductory course, and EDA 574.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

EDA 514. PreK-8 Aspects of Transition. 3 Credits.

This course will address support structures that serve students with disabilities as they transition from homebound to and throughout the PreK-8 school system.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 514 requires prerequisite EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

EDA 515. Middle/Secondary Career Development and Transition. 3 Credits.

This course addresses life span issues for persons with disabilities, stressing assessment, planning, and instructional strategies that promote successful movement to and through adult roles.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 515 requires prerequisite EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 516. Curriculum & Instruction for Individual Learning Differences I. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare students to assist children and youth with disabilities achieve skills in academics and functional life domains.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 516 requires prerequisite EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

EDA 517. Technology and Universal Design for Learning. 3 Credits.

This course provides an introduction to the principles of Universal Design for learning (UDL), the incorporation of assistive technologies to accomplish UDL, and strategies for it's inclusion in diverse instructional settings.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

EDA 519. Introduction to Assistive Technology. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the awareness of assistive technologies as it relates to education, communication, vocation, recreation, and mobility for students with disabilities.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

EDA 521. Assistive Technologies for Communication and Participation. 3 Credits.

This course will present various types of communication disorders and the impact of high and low level technology, specifically, augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technologies to support the child with disabilities in the K-12 classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring & Summer.
Cross listed courses EDA 521, SLP 521.

EDA 522. Integrating Assistive Technology in the Classroom. 3 Credits.

This seminar and field is the final course in the Assistive technology Certificate. It is designed for educational professionals and is focused on the integration of assistive technologies into the K-12 classroom.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

EDA 523. Curriculum/Instruction for Individual Learning Differences II. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to support students in the research, development and implementation of instruction for students with disabilities.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 523 requires a prerequisite of EDA 574 and EDA 516.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring & Summer.

EDA 524. Trauma Informed Schools and Classrooms. 3 Credits.

This course examines trauma in the context of the learning environment. Students will learn about the developmental effects of trauma and the ramifications of those effects on the classroom and school setting, as well as on peers and other professionals working with the student. Students will also be introduced to proactive and preventative strategies for building social, emotional, and behavioral wellness to address non-academic barriers to learning and also to support students who are experiencing extreme social and emotional difficulties.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 524 requires a prerequisite of EDA 103 or EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

EDA 525. Culturally Responsive Teaching for Diverse Exceptional Learners. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare pre-service special educators with background knowledge and critical understanding of culturally responsive practices in order to meet the needs of students at the intersection of culture, language, and disability needs. Students will examine the role culture plays in teaching and learning, develop strategies for culturally responsive collaboration with families and communities, and explore resources for implementing culturally responsive teaching practices as future special educators.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 525 requires a prerequisite of EDA 103 or EDA 542.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

EDA 526. Building Resiliency in the Classroom for Children Impacted by Trauma. 3 Credits.

Much of the knowledge and skills are taken from The Child Trauma Academy and as such, this course will serve as a prerequisite course to EDA 528 for those students wishing to become a certified trainer in the Neurosequential Model of Intervention for Educators (NME). Its principles derive from "neurodevelopmental-informed, biologically respectful perspectives on human development and function" specifically addressing brain based development to help those in the education system understand traumatized children's behavior and performance and incorporate appropriate interventions in the school and individual classrooms.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

EDA 527. Educating Students with Significant and Complex Support Needs. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with the knowledge base required to work effectively with students with significant and complex needs in the classroom. Particular emphasis will be placed on this population's unique needs, including physical, medical, behavioral, and communication.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 527 requires prerequisites of EDA 103 or EDA 542, and EDA 544.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

EDA 528. Field and Seminar: Assessment and Intervention for Children Impacted by Trauma. 3 Credits.

This course is the field and seminar follow-up to EDA 526 and is required for all students wishing to be certified as trainers in NME model of intervention. In offering this course, WCU is in partnership with Neurosequential Network (NMN). The NMN directs a community of practice working to develop and deliver innovations to address the needs of maltreated and traumatized children, youth and adults. Educators will be trained specifically in the Neurosequential Model of Intervention for Education (NME). For educators, NME draws upon its principles from "neurodevelopmental-informed, biologically respectful perspectives on human development and function" specifically addressing brain based development to help those in the education systems understand traumatized and maltreated children's behavior and performance and incorporate appropriate interventions in the school and individual classrooms. It is from this model and its principle from which this course is designed. During this course, students will complete 30 seminar hours and 15 field based hours to complete requirements.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 528 requires a prerequisite of EDA 526.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

EDA 530. Teaching Children with Autism. 3 Credits.

This course serves as an in-depth analysis of unique education needs of students with autism spectrum disorders. Students will learn about the educational issues surrounding autism spectrum disorders including history, etiology, current legislation, instructional strategies, and issues related to transition. In addition students will develop a working sense of classroom assessment and intervention strategies specific to educational settings for students with autism spectrum disorders.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 542. Foundations of Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to acquaint the prospective teacher with the historical legal evolution of the field, special education processes, and the characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

EDA 544. Classroom Management. 3 Credits.

Exploration of current practices in the management and modification of behavior. The professional's role in achieving a better basis for meaningful communication with the special child. Problems that may interfere with teacher effectiveness are discussed.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 544 requires prerequisite of EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

EDA 574. Assessment and Special Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to instructional assessment in special education and the development of relevant education plans to meet federal regulations.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 574 requires prerequisite of EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

EDA 580. Contemporary Issues and Trends. 3 Credits.

Current trends, problems, and issues in special education, teacher education, research, and administration will be explored. Emerging concepts relating to special education will be emphasized.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 580 requires prerequisite of EDA 542.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

EDA 582. Special Education Modified Student Teaching and Seminar. 1-3 Credits.

This is a required course for students pursuing special education certification at the post-baccaluarate level. The student will receive direct experience with students with disabilities receiving special education services. Field clearances required.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 582 requires prerequisites EDA 542, EDA 516, EDA 521, EDA 544, EDA 574, and EDA 514 or EDA 515.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

EDA 591. Final Project. 3 Credits.

This course will provide the student the opportunity to learn how to evaluate and interpret published research, to conduct a critical research review, and to develop and produce an original research paper. Offered on a two-semester basis with each part carrying three credits.
Pre / Co requisites: EDA 591 requires a prerequisite of ERM 500.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

EDA 592. Workshop In Special Education I. 1-3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Repeatable for Credit.

EDE 506. Infant And Toddler Development & Environment. 3 Credits.

Physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of the child newborn to two years is studied. The use of developmental tests for the diagnosis of infant and toddler needs is related to the structuring of an appropriate learning environment.

EDE 507. Preschooling Learning Environment. 3 Credits.

Methods and materials, developmentally appropriate for children 2-5, are presented. Readiness assessments, curricular discussions, and teaching approaches are addressed across the full spectrum of child development.