Special Education Minor
Student Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the minor in Special Education, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the psychosociomedical characteristics of individuals with disabilities;
- Offer critical analyses of the federal and state laws related to educating and employing individuals with disabilities;
- Understand the uniqueness of individuals with disabilities whom are also participating in bicultural community;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the special education process; and
- Exhibit evidence of well-developed critical analysis and reasoning skills.
Mission Statement
Special Education provides insight into the human condition & education of persons with disabilities and our responsibility to them as members of both our community and the larger community of people. Additionally, special education provides a broad understanding of the psychological, social, and medical aspects of people with disabilities both in school and the community through interdisciplinary scholarship and research. In bringing together the visions and analytical approaches from diverse scholars, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Special Education Minor offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to develop an understanding of the cultural, medical, educational, legal, and historical factors that influence the full participation of individuals with disabilities in society. Subsequently, this program will foster respect for the pluralistic diversity in society at large. A minor in Special Education provides excellent preparation for those individuals who are interested in the practice of special education in public schools, post-secondary training, and/or employment of persons with disabilities.
By participating in this program of study, students will have the unique opportunity to work with faculty in special education which; - all of whom - have strong teaching and research interests in the area of disabilities studies. This minor encourages students to think innovative about their own roles in improving outcomes for children and adults with disabilities, no matter their future profession or past background.
Intended Audience
The Special Education Minor is intended primarily for undergraduate students interested in:
- Entering the education field as a special education teacher in an EC-12 setting;
- Entering rehabilitation studies (e.g., deaf education, rehabilitation services, visual impairment, psychology, etc.);
- Working in disability policy or law, advocacy, or accessibility & web design; or
- Exploring historical, narrative, and cultural contexts for current/competing ideas about disabilities, the body, and representation.
Program Requirements
Required coursework:
- SPED 3390 Introduction to Exceptional Children
- SPED 4310 Inclusion & Differentiated Instruction in Special Education
- SPED 4330 Language & Literacy Development of Diverse Exceptional Learners
- SPED 4350 Assessing Exceptional Learners
- SPED 4370 Instructional Methods for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities
- SPED 4380 Instructional Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities
Minors | Degree Plan 2022-2023 |
---|---|
Special Education (Minor) |
Criminal History Acknowledgement
Criminal Background Check
UTRGV students pursuing undergraduate degree plans that lead to State of Texas teacher certification must clear a criminal background check for program admission, field experiences, clinical teaching and certification.
As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.
- In order to receive certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
- If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
- You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
Contact Information
Please contact the program coordinator, if you need assistance or more information on the Special Education minor.
Program Coordinator and Advisor: Mrs. Julia Pecina, Lecture III
Phone: (956) 358-1976
E-mail: julia.pecina@utrgv.edu
Edinburg Campus: EEDUC 1.632