The mild/moderate disabilities program is for those who want to teach children/youth who receive special education services for primarily academic support (i.e. children with learning disabilities, ADHD). Coursework focuses on strategies for teaching different content areas. This program prepares candidates to teach children/youth with mild/moderate disabilities in inclusion or resource classroom settings.
The severe disabilities/autism program is for those who want to teach children/youth a wider range of skills beyond academics. These children/youth with disabilities may have additional needs that require more comprehensive support such as communication or functional academic/life skills. Coursework focuses on a wider range of strategies that include language and communication and positive behavior supports. This program prepares candidates to teach children/youth with severe disabilities and/or autism in fully self-contained settings or in inclusive settings that support children/youth with severe disabilities.