Special Education (BSED)
Teacher education is a traditional cornerstone of Bloomsburg University. For more than a century, BU has been bringing talented and well-trained individuals into classrooms across the nation. Facilities are modern and up-to-date technologies are available, including a course in educational computing. A state-of-the-art computer laboratory enables students to learn current advances in computer-assisted instruction.
The State Board of Education adopted changes that affect all of Pennsylvania's instructional and educational specialist programs by adding 9 credits or 270 hours or equivalent combination for adaptations and accommodations for diverse students in an inclusive setting and 3 credits or 90 hours or equivalent combination to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners. Although these regulatory changes became effective on September 22, 2007, the PA Department of Education has not yet developed final requirements for colleges/universities to follow. Therefore, additional program requirements will be developed and incorporated into your certification program to comply with new regulations for certifying teachers that become effective on January 1, 2013.
The teacher education program at Bloomsburg University is committed to improving the field of education through a comprehensive program, which recognizes its unique contribution to society, both as a reflection of that society and as an agent for the improvement of society. To meet this obligation, the programs draw upon the knowledge and understanding of general as well as professional education. It strives for a blend in preparing a person to fulfill a role in society as an informed, inquiring and skilled professional.
Special Education (B.S.Ed)
The program in special education leads to certification for teachers to teach special education (N-12). Students may also acquire a concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing.
Factors suggesting the potential for success at Bloomsburg include knowledge and application of professional standards in teaching students with disabilities, the ability to support diversity and differences, strong task commitment, effectiveness and the ability to accommodate individual needs. Most recent placement statistics average between 98 and 100 percent.
After the completion of specified coursework, a semester of student teaching occurs. Students enrolled in special education have the opportunity to student teach in the following settings: public schools, intermediate units, approved private schools, preschools, state centers, adjudicated environments and hospitals. Special education student teaching assignments are located within seven select counties in this region. Intensive pre-student teaching experiences are also available through professional development schools.
Among the general education classes you'll take to prepare you for the major are two semesters of English composition, public speaking or interpersonal communication, general psychology, life-span psychology, first aid and safety, genetics, statistics and an introduction to exceptional individuals.
Professional education courses include psychological foundations in education, multicultural education, and teaching science, social studies, reading and mathematics. You'll work with your adviser to choose from diagnostic and inclusive practices, instructional methods for the deaf/hard of hearing, teaching literacy and literature in diverse classrooms, and teaching reading in academic subjects.
Special education courses include technology for exceptionalities, early intervention, foundations in special education, behavior intervention and support, educating individuals with moderate to severe disabilities, assessment and planning, vocational programming, language arts for students with special needs, elementary and secondary methods for individuals with mild disabilities, problems in special education and student teaching.
Bloomsburg's program faculty, among the largest in Pennsylvania, displays a broad spectrum of specializations that provide students with a thorough and diverse learning environment. Faculty specializations include technology, early intervention, mild disabilities, the moderate/sever disabilities, behavioral disorders, leadership, assessment, transition, language, methodology and school partnership.
Area of Concentration in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Special education students may choose to take an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing. The undergraduate curriculum in education of the deaf/hard of hearing lays the foundation for the training and education needed to prepare classroom teachers and itinerant hearing therapists to work in educational settings with deaf/hard of hearing children and adults. Students supplement the curriculum for their majors with an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing that requires a minimum of 24 semester hours.
Certification to teach deaf/hard of hearing students in school programs is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education upon completion of a related graduate program.
All applicants to the graduate program in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing must have completed a specific set of undergraduate courses, including American Sign Language. Students without an education background will need to take five education courses agreed upon by the curriculum coordinator in education of the deaf/hard of hearing.
Elementary and Special Education (Dual Certification)
A dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education leads to elementary education certification to teach kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6) and special education certification (N-12).
The number of students accepted into the dual certification program is limited. Students may not declare a dual certification as an entering freshman, but must apply for admission after meeting minimum requirements. To apply, students must have 15 to 54 credits, a Bloomsburg University GPA of 2.8 in Fall 2002 and 3.0 thereafter and a completed admission packet from elementary or special education. An interdepartmental admissions committee reviews applications and selects the most qualified applicants. Admission into the dual certification program is completed twice during the academic year (October and March). Students accepted into the dual certification program are advised by faculty in the Special Education Program. Student teaching is supervised by faculty in the Special Education program.
Graduate Programs
Bloomsburg offers an array of graduate programs in education including:
- Business Education (M.Ed.)
- Curriculum and Instruction (M.S.)
- Early Childhood Education (M.S.)
- Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (M.S.)
- Elementary Education (M.Ed.)
- Exceptionalities (M.S.)
- Instructional Technology (M.S.)
- Reading (M.Ed.)
- Special Education (M.S.)
- Special Education Supervisory Certificate Programs