What is special about

Special Education at ECU?

Overview of program leading to an exciting and rewarding career

for those who are interested in teaching K-12 students with disabilities

What is Special Education?

Access to Instruction

▪Provides services and individualized instruction to meet unique needs of students with disabilities

▪To ensure that all students participate meaningfully and successfully in education

▪ Achieve academically, functionally, and socially in the general or adapted curriculum.

What is Special Education?

A Service – Not a Place

▪ Services, supports, and instruction determined by Individualized Education Program (IEP)

▪ Least Restrictive Environment: Most students with disabilities are taught in a general education classroom in a neighborhood school

▪ Small number of students are provided services in separate settings for part or all of the day

What Roles Can You Choose?

• Co-Teacher with General Educator

• Resource Teacher, General Curriculum

• Inclusion Support Specialist

• Specialized Teacher for small group of students

• All of the above!

Which Program Is Right for You?

Bachelor of Science, Initial Licensure

• SPED – General Curriculum – High Incidence(e.g., LD, BED, ID)– HS diploma

– Reading License

– Elementary Education courses

• SPED – Adapted Curriculum – Low Incidence – functional, extended cur.

• Significant cognitive or physical disabilities

Which Program Is Right for You?

• State Employees Credit Union (SECU)Partnership East

–Community College partnership leads to initial license, GC + Reading

–Part-time students complete program in 4.5 years

–ECU courses offered on-line

Why Special Education at ECU?

• Hands-on experiences in various placements throughout the program

• Linked methods and practicum courses

• Authentic assignments related to classroom tasks

• Scholarship opportunities

• Graduates are highly qualified in SPED K12 and

as teacher-of-record across K6 content areas

• High employment rate of graduates

and...

Student Council for Exceptional Children

– Opportunities for Fellowship, Service, and

Personal / Professional Growth

– Campus & Community Projects

– State and National Conferences

Irene Howell Assistive Technology Center

– Teach candidates about AT services and devices

– Professional development infused in SPED courses

– Interact with and create educational materials

Learn more about the Special Education Program

http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/sefr/sped/index.cfm

CONTACT

Dr. Kathi Wilhite, Interim Chair

Department of SPED, Foundations, & Research

wilhitek@ecu.edu

Dr. Laura King, Associate Chair

Special Education Program

kinglau@ecu.edu