Special Education
Department Overview
The University of Alaska Fairbanks complies fully with the institutional reporting requirements mandated in Title II of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998. Please contact the School of Education for a copy of the report.
The School of Education prepares students from across Alaska, as well as from other states and nations, to work in urban and rural Alaska and to work with multicultural and minority — especially Alaska Native — students. To fulfill our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for the state’s rural and Native populations, faculty actively and knowledgeably utilize educational technology to deliver all School of Education programs to students in most areas of the state.
The School of Education offers bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and secondary education; and postbaccalaureate programs are offered in elementary education, secondary education, counseling and special education.
Courses are available on-site and by distance delivery through the Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Interior Alaska, Chukchi and Northwest campuses, as well as on the Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks. Faculty research in cross-cultural studies, curriculum and instruction, language and literacy, and small rural schools supports the mission of the School of Education.
Priority for enrollment in field-based courses is given to rural students formally admitted to degree and licensure programs. All inquiries should be addressed to one of the rural campuses or to the School of Education’s Certification and Advising Office.
Candidates for all School of Education programs are required to have a laptop computer. Laptops may be of any type but must have capacities that enable candidates to meet School of Education requirements. If you have questions about how a laptop purchase will fit in with your current financial aid package, please contact the UAF Financial Aid Office.
Licensure Information
The State of Alaska requires that all initial applicants for a teaching certificate pass a Basic Competency Exam (BCE) from the list of exams accepted by the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development.
In addition, Content Area Examinations (Praxis II) are required for the Initial 2-3 Year, Professional, and Master teaching certificates. A list of accepted exams and passing scores is available on the website of the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development.
M.Ed., Special Education
The Master of Education in special education degree program prepares K-12 special educators at the graduate level with specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, intervention strategies, current law and the implementation of programs including the development of legally defensible documents related to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Graduates will have mastery of the Council for Exceptional Children Initial K-12 Preparation Standards released in 2020.
The program will provide individuals who already possess or are eligible for, a current Alaska teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree and the necessary prerequisites with specific training in special education. The program prepares K-12 special education teachers who can effectively understand state and national education issues and respond appropriately. Special education candidates will progress through a series of developmentally sequenced field experiences for all ages, types and levels of abilities including collaborative opportunities.
An option is available for individuals who are already certified special education teachers or individuals who want the special education knowledge and master's degree to perform professional duties that do not include being a special education classroom instructor. These individuals will not complete special education clinical practice, and no institutional recommendation for special education teacher certification will be issued.
The M.Ed. in special education provides development in collaboration/consultation models and program development in multicultural settings. Completion of this program meets the requirements for Alaska licensure as a K-12 special education teacher. For special education teacher certification in the state of Alaska, a passing score on the Praxis II Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications test (#5354) is required.
Minimum Requirements for Special Education Master's Degree: 36 credits
Learn more about the master’s degree in special education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.
Postbaccalaureate Certificate, Special Education K-12
This program repares K-12 special educators at the graduate level with specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, intervention strategies, current law and the implementation of programs including the development of legally defensible federal IDEA documents.
Graduates will have mastery of the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) 2020 Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators.
The program will provide individuals who already possess, or are eligible for, a current Alaska teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree and the necessary prerequisites, with specific training in special education. The program prepares K-12 special education teachers who can effectively understand state and national education issues and respond appropriately. Special education candidates will progress through a series of developmentally sequenced field experiences for all ages, types and levels of abilities, including collaborative opportunities.
The program provides development in collaboration/consultation models and program development in multicultural settings. Completion of this program meets the requirements for Alaska licensure as a K-12 special education teacher.
Minimum Requirements for Special Education K-12 Postbaccalaureate Certificate: 24-27 credits
Learn more about the postbaccalaureate certificate in special education, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.
Minor, Special Education
The minor in special education is designed for students pursuing teacher certification through the UAF B.A. in elementary education or the B.A. in secondary education. It leads to an additional teaching endorsement in K-12 special education. Students will progress through a series of developmentally sequenced field experiences with various age groups, types and levels of disability, and collaborative opportunities. Students are assessed relative to national and state standards, including the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards and the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) 2020 Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Special Educators.
Completion of the minor in special education meets the requirements for Alaska licensure as a special education teacher only if it is completed concurrently with a teacher certification program in elementary or secondary education. For special education teacher certification in the state of Alaska, a passing score on the Praxis II Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications test (#5354) is required.
Minimum Requirements for Special Education Minor: 24 credits
Courses
ED: Special Education (EDSE)
EDSE F316 Introduction to Special Education for Elementary Classroom Teachers
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Course provides introduction to special education for elementary teachers. It focuses on understanding concepts, strategies and issues identifying and supporting needs of students who experience disabilities. Course includes review of all special education categorical disabilities, developmental disabilities and laws. Fieldwork in special education classroom or inclusive general elementary classroom required.
Prerequisites: ED F201 or MUED F201.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F320 Adapting and Accommodating Instructions for Students with Disabilities
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Methods of instruction and strategies for addressing the needs of students with mild learning and behavior problems. A theoretical basis for selecting approaches is presented along with practical strategies that can be used in the classroom. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; EDSE F316.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F410 Assessment of Students with Exceptionalities
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Techniques and methods used for assessing students with disabilities. Focuses on the purpose of assessment, testing terminology and statistics, and administration and interpretation of formal and informal assessment procedures. Address assessment issues in all Alaskan communities. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis 1; EDSE F320, EDSE F422, or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F610.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F412 Curriculum, Management and Strategies I: Low Incidence
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Provides understanding of best practice strategies for supporting students with low incidence disabilities in culturally responsive ways. Includes an overview of the development, implementation and evaluation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Transition Plans, also research-based interventions for students with intensive needs. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis I; EDSE F320, EDSE F422 or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F612.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F422 Curriculum, Management and Strategies II: High Incidence
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Provides strategies for supporting students with high incidence disabilities. Includes an overview of the development, implementation, support, and evaluation of Individual Education Program (IEP) plan for students with high incidence disabilities as well as classroom management techniques and plans developed for inclusion of high incidence disabilities in culturally responsive ways.
Stacked with EDSE F622.
Special Notes: Field experience and research are required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F425 Teaching Mathematics to Special Learners
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Provides assessment and diverse instructional strategies in mathematics for teachers of students with disabilities. Focuses on standards-based instruction, explicit instruction, curriculum-based assessments and preparation of students for high stakes testing, as well as consumer math for special needs learners who need to develop functional skills. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis I; EDSE F320, EDSE F422, or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F625.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F432 Special Education Law: Principles and Practices
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Examines three federal laws that form the foundation of disability law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Focuses on substantive principles that underlie procedural requirements including due process issues, case law analysis, policy changes.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis I; EDSE F320, EDSE F422, or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F632.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F442 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities: Sensory and Behavioral Interventions
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Review functional behavioral assessments, development of behavior plans, evaluation of sensory issues, use of social stories, social skills and life skills instruction to assist inclusive practices of students with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis I; EDSE F320, EDSE F422, or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F642.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F448 Understanding FASD: Diagnosis, Intervention and Strategies
3 Credits
Offered Spring and Summer
This is an overview course designed to educate candidates about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: how they are acquired, current diagnostic strategies; intervention strategies within social services, therapeutic environments and school settings; and individual case management strategies. By the end of the course candidates should possess knowledge of working with children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, understand the psychosocial implications of this disorder, and be able to identify best possible strategies to accommodating and intervening with these individuals in a classroom setting.
Cross-listed with PSY F448.
Stacked with EDSE F648; PSY F648.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F477 English Language Arts Assessment, Curriculum and Strategies for Special Learners
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Provides in-depth review and analysis of current research on language and English Language Arts (reading, writing and spelling) acquisition, assessment and intervention. Emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices. Identifies the link between language and literacy development. Considers academic, cultural and linguistic diversity. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201; Praxis I; EDSE F320, EDSE F422, or EDSE F482.
Stacked with EDSE F677.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F478 Special Education Clinical Practice: Initial
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Initial licensure candidates only, must be completed before EDSE F680. Part-time fieldwork experience (minimum 120 hours) with individuals who have disabilities in approved K-12 public schools. Includes immersion in special education planning and teaching under the direction of a supervising teacher and university supervisor, regularly scheduled seminars included.
Prerequisites: 18 hours of special education coursework.
Stacked with EDSE F678.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 20
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F482 Inclusive Classrooms for All Children
3 Credits
Offered Summer
An in-depth understanding of concepts, strategies and issues that surround supporting the needs of students who experience disabilities in the general education classroom. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: ED F201.
Special Notes: Elementary Education students are required to submit Praxis I scores to School of Education prior to enrolling in EDSE F482.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.5 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F605 Early Childhood Special Education
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Survey of philosophical, legal, and programmatic foundations of early childhood special education; characteristics of young children with disabilities; strategies to support young children with disabilities in inclusive settings; development, implementation, and evaluation of Individual Family Services Program (IFSP) plans in culturally diverse settings. Field experience required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F610 Assessment of Students with Exceptionalities
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Techniques and methods used for assessing students with disabilities. Focuses on the purpose of assessment, testing terminology and statistics, and administration and interpretation of formal and informal assessment procedures. Address assessment issues in all Alaskan communities. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F410.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F612 Curriculum, Management and Strategies I: Low Incidence
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Provides understanding of best practice strategies for supporting students with low incidence disabilities in culturally responsive ways. Includes an overview of the development, implementation and evaluation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Transition Plans, also research-based interventions for students with intensive needs. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F412.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F622 Curriculum, Management and Strategies II: High Incidence
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Provides strategies for supporting students with high incidence disabilities. Includes an overview of the development, implementation, support, and evaluation of Individual Education Program (IEP) plan for students with high incidence disabilities as well as classroom management techniques and plans developed for inclusion of high incidence disabilities in culturally responsive ways.
Stacked with EDSE F422.
Special Notes: Field experience and research are required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F624 Social/Emotional Development, Assessment and Intervention
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Review current research on typical and atypical social/emotional development within a cultural context. Emphasizes the use of research-based practices in assessment and intervention. Explores academic and cultural diversity in the social/emotional growth of students with learning differences. Field experience required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F625 Teaching Mathematics to Special Learners
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Provides assessment and diverse instructional strategies in mathematics for teachers of students with disabilities. Focuses on standards-based instruction, explicit instruction, curriculum-based assessments and preparation of students for high stakes testing, as well as consumer math for special needs learners who need to develop functional skills. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F425.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F632 Special Education Law: Principles and Practices
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Examines three federal laws that form the foundation of disability law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Focuses on substantive principles that underlie procedural requirements including due process issues, case law analysis, policy changes.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F432.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F633 Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities: Communication and Social Interventions
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Current methods for assessment and intervention of students with autism and other developmental disabilities Current issues and trends affecting educational practices are analyzed. Case study method used to make assessment and instructional decisions for pro-social solutions. Parent communication is emphasized. Field experience required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F640 Culturally Responsive Collaboration: Working with Parents, Colleagues and Paraprofessionals
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
How to coordinate with regular education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech language therapists, Alaska Native Education Liaisons, coaches, principals, counselors and outside agencies in culturally responsive ways. Field experience required.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F642 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities: Sensory and Behavioral Interventions
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Review functional behavioral assessments, development of behavior plans, evaluation of sensory issues, use of social stories, social skills and life skills instruction to assist inclusive practices of students with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F442.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F648 Understanding FASD: Diagnosis, Intervention and Strategies
3 Credits
Offered Spring and Summer
This is an overview course designed to educate candidates about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: how they are acquired, current diagnostic strategies; intervention strategies within social services, therapeutic environments and school settings; and individual case management strategies. By the end of the course candidates should possess knowledge of working with children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, understand the psychosocial implications of this disorder, and be able to identify best possible strategies to accommodating and intervening with these individuals in a classroom setting. Research projects required.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with PSY F648.
Stacked with EDSE F448; PSY F448.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F677 English Language Arts Assessment, Curriculum and Strategies for Special Learners
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Provides in-depth review and analysis of current research on language and English Language Arts (reading, writing and spelling) acquisition, assessment and intervention. Emphasizes the use of evidence-based practices. Identifies the link between language and literacy development. Considers academic, cultural and linguistic diversity. Field experience required.
Prerequisites: Praxis I, and to have successfully completed an introductory-level course on special education, experience with students who have disabilities, and an understanding of childhood development.
Stacked with EDSE F477.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 1
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F678 Special Education Clinical Practice: Initial
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Initial licensure candidates only, must be completed before EDSE F680. Part-time fieldwork experience (minimum 120 hours) with individuals who have disabilities in approved K-12 public schools. Includes immersion in special education planning and teaching under the direction of a supervising teacher and university supervisor, regularly scheduled seminars included.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of 18 approved credits in graduate-level special education course work.
Stacked with EDSE F478.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 20
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EDSE F680 Special Education Clinical Practice
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Full time field experience with individuals who have disabilities in approved K-12 public schools and affiliated facilities. Fieldwork assignments vary across areas of teaching specialization. Candidates assume full classroom responsibilities for planning, instruction and assessment under the direction of site and university supervisors. Includes regular seminars.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of 18 approved credits in graduate level special education course work; EDSE F678 (for initial licensure students only).
Special Notes: For certified and initial licensure special education candidates.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 35
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Faculty
Brooke Freeburg, M.Ed.
Assistant Professor
bcfreeburg@alaska.edu
907-474-6457
707B Gruening
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Tara Maltby, M.A.Ed., BCBA
Department Chair, Special Education
Assistant Professortmaltby@alaska.edu
907-786-4621
Anchorage, AK
