Special Education K-12

Program Overview

Barton College's Special Education K-12 program prepares graduates for licensure in both general and adapted curriculum settings. The program combines coursework with extensive practicum experiences, ensuring graduates are ready for immediate entry into the teaching profession. Graduates can pursue careers as special education teachers in public or private schools, resource teachers, or inclusion specialists. The program also offers opportunities for scholarships, internships, and involvement in student organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Type:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Concentrations:
• Adaptive Curriculum
• Prepare graduates to qualify for licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum, Special Education: Adapted Curriculum, or both.
• Offer opportunities to obtain a second degree and additional license in elementary education.
• Enable pursuit of licensure in other areas as well.
• Program Highlights:
• Licensure for teaching K-12 in both general and adapted curriculum settings.
• Extensive practicum experiences in various classrooms and grade levels.

Outline:

• Courses:
• Required Courses:
• Learners and Learning in the 21st Century (with integrated practicum)
• Introduction to Exceptional Children (with integrated practicum)
• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Assessment
• Children and Adolescent Literature
• Practicum: Reading Laboratory
• Elementary Reading
• Differentiated Instruction
• Behavior Management Strategies for Special Education
• Assessment in Special Education
• Special Education Methods: General Curriculum
• Special Education Methods: Adapted Curriculum
• Teaching Skills Lab
• Classroom Management
• Methods courses in teaching language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
• Education Capstone
• Student Teaching
• Practicum Experiences:
• Sophomore year: classroom visits and individual classroom observations.
• Junior year: 30 hours in a reading classroom.
• Senior year: one day/week in student teaching placement, followed by full-time student teaching in the final semester.
• Structure:
• Combines coursework with extensive practical experience.

Teaching:

• Faculty:
• Highly qualified professionals with experience teaching in public schools.
• Provide strong support to students throughout the program.
• Teaching Methods:
• Emphasis on hands-on experience through practicum placements.
• Small class sizes for personalized learning.
• Unique Approaches:
• Partnership with local schools for practical experiences.
• Focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Careers:

• Career Options:
• Special education teacher in public schools
• Special education teacher in private schools
• Resource teacher
• Inclusion specialist
• Graduate studies in special education or other fields of education
• Potential Employers:
• Public and private schools across North Carolina and other states
• Educational agencies
• North Carolina Association of Educators
• For further details or inquiries, students are encouraged to contact Dr. Jackie Ennis, Dean of the School of Education.