About the Program
Special Education meets the unique needs of individuals with disabilities by preparing professionals with the knowledge, disposition, and skills necessary to effectively serve individuals with diverse needs. The undergraduate program is grounded in evidence-based practices that emphasizes (a) creating connections between subject matter knowledge and teaching, (b) valuing the diverse characteristics of students and the ability to address the needs of all students, and (c) understanding the contextual aspects of teaching (e.g., the organizational and policy context).
The program links courses with field experiences in partner school and non-school settings. Particular attention is given to specialized skills to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities - serving students in various school and community settings; developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); engaging in data-driven decision making; and developing instructional, material and environmental modifications. All of these competencies are beyond the knowledge required for general educators.
A Special Education P-12 graduate is qualified to teach children with or at risk for disability who require mild to intense supports from kindergarten through grade 12. Graduates are prepared to support students across a continuum of placements and to collaborate with a variety of professionals to meet the needs of students. The Special Education P-12 Plan of Study outlines the required courses to complete the degree for licensure. This program meets state and national licensure standards and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the State of Indiana, State Board of Education. See Teacher Licensure Information in the plan below.
For more information about the degree program, visit the COE Office of Advising and Recruiting. For teacher licensure information, visit the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure.
Special Education General - Purdue University College of Education
Special Education: Mild & Intense Intervention P to 12 Major Change (CODO) Requirements
Purdue University-Main Campus | College Scorecard (ed.gov)
Learning Outcomes for Education Programs
As a CAEP-accredited College of Education, Purdue’s teacher education licensure programs align to the common set of InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, informing program outcomes as follows:
Program Outcome 1: Learner Development
Based on InTASC Standard 1
The teacher candidate understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Program Outcome 2: Learning Differences
Based on InTASC Standard 2
The teacher candidate uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Program Outcome 3: Learning Environments
Based on InTASC Standard 3
The teacher candidate works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Program Outcome 4: Content Knowledge
Based on InTASC Standard 4
The teacher candidate understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he/she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
Program Outcome 5: Application of Content
Based on InTASC Standard 5
The teacher candidate understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Program Outcome 6: Assessment
Based on InTASC Standard 6
The teacher candidate understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learners’ decision making.
Program Outcome 7: Planning for Instruction
Based on InTASC Standard 7
The teacher candidate plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Program Outcome 8: Instructional Strategies
Based on InTASC Standard 8
The teacher candidate understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas in their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Program Outcome 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
Based on InTASC Standard 9
The teacher candidate engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate this/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Program Outcome 10: Leadership and Collaboration
Based on InTASC Standard 10
The teacher candidate seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning; to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth; and to advance the profession.
In addition to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards shared across teacher education licensure programs, each licensure program also aligns to professional sets of standards specific to their discipline. Below is a reference guide to the additional layer of program oversight and outcome expectations, running parallel to InTASC expectations.
