Cross Categorical Special Education Program (M)
Your studies in special education at CUW include a solid liberal arts foundation, a Christian emphasis, specialized coursework and ample field experiences working alongside children with disabilities.
The certification in Cross Categorical Special Education (Grades 4K-12) allows you to apply for a teaching license with the Wisconsin department of public instruction. You will be well prepared to teach students with disabilities from Kindergarten through High School. CUW’s special education department also sponsors organizations like Best Buddies to promote a greater understanding of disabilities throughout our campus community. In whatever discipline you decide, you’ll start with an open heart and mind, and leave more prepared than ever to enrich the lives of children with disabilities in any school setting.
Program Learning Outcomes
By fulfilling all of the course requirements for the Bachelor's of Art in Cross Categorical Special Education Program, students will be able to:
- Pupil Development. The teacher understands how pupils grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. The teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences for pupils.
- Learning Differences. The teacher uses his or her understanding of individual pupil differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each pupil to meet high standards.
- Learning Environments. The teacher 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.
- Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of each discipline he or she teaches. The teacher creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for pupils to assure mastery of the content.
- Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage pupils in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage pupils in their own growth, to monitor pupil progress, and to guide the teacher’s and pupil’s decision making.
- Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every pupil in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, pedagogy, pupils, and pupils’ communities.
- Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage pupils to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to develop skills to apply knowledge in a meaningful way.
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning. The teacher uses evidence to continuously evaluate the teacher’s practice, including the effects of the teacher’s choices and actions on pupils, their families, other educators, and the community. The teacher adapts the teacher’s practice to meet the needs of each pupil.
- Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunity in order to take responsibility for pupil learning, to collaborate with pupils, their families, educators, and the community, and to advance the profession.
- CUW Faith Standard: Educators model Christian servant leadership by demonstrating consistent moral and ethical behavior, inspiring others by example in their personal, professional, and community lives. In Christian schools, teachers integrate faith and learning, embodying a biblical worldview while fostering a value system that emphasizes character, mission, and service. Teacher candidates seeking the Lutheran Teacher Diploma adhere to the doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 48-51 | |
| Major Requirements | 71-77 | |
| Electives Public Ed Majors | 1 | |
Minor or Concentration: Optional | ||
| Total Hours | 120-129 | |
Core Curriculum - 48-51 Credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology - Public Education | ||
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC) | ||
| REL 2010 | Old Testament | 3 |
| REL 2020 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 2030 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Dimensions - 30 Credits | ||
| Communication and Language Elective | 3 | |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| Faith and Life Elective: Any course with REL prefix above REL 2030 | 3 | |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| HHP Activity Course | 1 | |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, Literature or Graphic Design activity course | 3 | |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| Note: Two CUW - approved writing intensive courses are required for graduation. | ||
Cross Categorical Special Education Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Categorical Special Education Curriculum | ||
| Theoretical Component | ||
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching 2 | 3 |
| Experiential and Seminar Component (pass/fail) | ||
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar | 0 |
| Practical Component: Regular Education | ||
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| ED 3401 | Reading Strategies for Engagement and Growth 2 | 3 |
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| "THE BLOCK" - Take these courses during the same semester. | 14 | |
| ED 4301 | Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice 2 | 2 |
| ED 4303 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-9 2 | 3 |
| ED 4304 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 2 | 3 |
| ED 4305 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science and Environment K-9 2 | 3 |
| ED 4306 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies K-9 2 | 3 |
| Practical Component: Special Education | ||
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| ED 3450 | Instruction and Transition for Adolescents with Disabilities | 3 |
| ED 3455 | Legal Foundations for Special Education 2 | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Practicum for CCSE/ECSE 2 | 4 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners 2 | 3 |
| ED 4487 | Voices at the Table: Special Education Planning and Partnerships 2 | 2 |
| Student Teaching Component (Take these courses in the same semester) | ||
| ED 4453 | Cross Categorical Special Education Student Teaching | 12 |
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education 2 | 1 |
| Lutheran (LCMS Members) Education Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| Christian Teacher Certification Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| REL 3500 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 3860 | Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church | 3 |
| PHIL 3250 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| PHIL 3340 | Christ and Culture | 3 |
- 2
Course Requires Upper Division Status.
Plan - Lutheran Teacher Diploma
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| REL 2010 | Old Testament | 3 |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION | 3 | |
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| REL 2020 | New Testament | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE | 3 | |
| HHP ACTIVITY | 1 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 |
| REL 2030 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
| ED 3455 | Legal Foundations for Special Education | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities | 3 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| ED 3450 | Instruction and Transition for Adolescents with Disabilities | 3 |
| ED 3401 | Reading Strategies for Engagement and Growth | 3 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE | 4 |
| ED 4487 | Voices at the Table: Special Education Planning and Partnerships | 2 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| ED 4306 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies K-9 | 3 |
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar | 0 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching | 3 |
| ED 4301 | Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice | 2 |
| ED 4303 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-9 | 3 |
| ED 4304 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 | 3 |
| ED 4305 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science and Environment K-9 | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education | 1 |
| ED 4453 | Cross Categorical Special Education Student Teaching | 12 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 125 | |
Plan - Public Education
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION | 3 | |
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| FAITH & LIFE | 3 | |
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| HHP ACTIVITY | 1 | |
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | 1 | |
| ED 3455 | Legal Foundations for Special Education | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities | 3 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| ED 3450 | Instruction and Transition for Adolescents with Disabilities | 3 |
| ED 3401 | Reading Strategies for Engagement and Growth | 3 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE | 4 |
| ED 4487 | Voices at the Table: Special Education Planning and Partnerships | 2 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| ED 4306 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies K-9 | 3 |
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar | 0 |
| ED 4301 | Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice | 2 |
| ED 4303 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Language Arts K-9 | 3 |
| ED 4304 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics K-9 | 3 |
| ED 4305 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science and Environment K-9 | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education | 1 |
| ED 4453 | Cross Categorical Special Education Student Teaching | 12 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Course options and schedule are subject to change.