威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校

The special education program is the academic home to many students who enjoy working with children, and especially children with disabilities. Special education graduates enter a high-need field with an almost 100% job placement rate after graduation. Employment opportunities are available all across the country.

The special education teacher certification program prepares educators to serve as resources and advocates for persons with disabilities and their families. This includes being a leader, collaborating with others, and working creatively within and outside the schools to create inclusive educational experiences to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

The special education program prepares students to work effectively across disability categories including intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The program emphasizes course work and experiences in elementary, middle, and high schools with students who have a wide range of abilities, including students with severe disabilities.

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Special Education and are eligible to apply for a Wisconsin cross-categorical Special Education license at the Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence level (ages 6-12/13), and also at the Early Adolescence through Adolescence level (ages 10-21).

The Special Education program emphasizes coursework in areas including:

• Assessing learning needs in all core academic areas
• Creating individualized education plans
• Implementing instructional strategies for helping students with a variety or abilities succeed
• Using assistive technology
• Understanding behavior and intervention strategies for social and academic success
• Diversity issues in special education
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other school professionals to create successful inclusive learning environments

Students learn about these topics through a four-semester sequence of coursework, practicum experiences, and student teaching experiences in elementary, middle, and high schools.