Mar 28, 2024  
2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Special Education (B.S.Ed.)


To be admitted to teacher education in special education, students must have a minimum NIU GPA of 3.00 and must have successfully completed the ICTS Test of Basic Skills. To remain a major in special education, students must earn a grade of C or better in TLSE 240, ETR 434, TLSE 375, TLSE 420, TLSE 435, TLSE 440, TLSE 445, TLSE 452, TLSE 454, and TLSE 455. In addition, students must earn a grade of S in the clinical courses TLSE 260, TLSE 466, and TLSE 468. Early clinical experiences in special education must equal a minimum of 100 contact hours. Students who do not meet these requirements must retake the course(s). Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Students are expected to meet all university and College of Education standards for retention. They also must meet the standards set forth in the Council for Exceptional Children Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Practice for Special Educators.

Certification Requirements


Students who major in special education in the learning behavior specialist I emphasis or the vision impairments emphasis are required to meet the Illinois certification requirements including 29-41 semester hours of general education classes which must include 3 semester hours of cultural diversity course work. Transfer students with an A.A. or A.S. degree also must meet these requirements for teacher certification. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will have completed all required ISBE and NCATE standards for teacher certification.

Emphasis 1. Learning Behavior Specialist I


This emphasis leads to Illinois teacher certification as a learning behavior specialist I.

Requirements outside Department (49)


One of the following


Other Requirements (22)


General requirements for teacher certification, in addition to

Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Learning Behavior Specialist I: 122


Emphasis 2. Vision Impairments


Emphasis 2 leads to Illinois teacher certification in the area of blind and partially sighted.

One of the following


Other Requirements (32)


General requirements for teacher certification, in addition to

Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Vision Impairments: 123