Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Concentration

Highlights of Special Education at UT

The special education program has strong field-based components imbedded in the curriculum. These allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of age groups and types of disabilities throughout the program.

During their senior year students are required to register for two field-based classes of three semester hours each. The first is taken in the fall semester, simultaneously with a six-hour integrated lecture and discussion course. This is commonly called the "Modified Block" and provides information and experiences relating to children with mild disabilities in modified settings, such as regular classrooms, inclusion classrooms, and resource rooms. In the spring semester the "Comprehensive Block" is offered' this block prepare teachers to work in settings that serve children with moderate to severe disabilities. These settings are self-contained classes, community based classes, special day school classes an so forth.

Both blocks are required for the bachelor's degree as well as for the license to teach. Other courses may have less intense field-based components. During their senior year, students function as a close-knit cohort group.

Special Programs, Co-ops, and Internships

During the senior year, students complete over 150 clock hours of field experience in public schools, associated with their special education coursework. During their modified coursework, students are placed in classrooms for students with mild disabilities. While enrolled in their comprehensive coursework, students are placed in classrooms for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Students engage in activities ranging from assisting teachers with preparation of materials to accompanying classes on field trips to teaching lessons to small and large groups. Placements are made collaboratively with area school districts, including Knox and Blount Counties and the Anderson County Professional Development School. In addition, some students opt for an earlier field experience which affords them an initial exposure to real-school experiences. During the fifth (internship) year, students rotate through both comprehensive and modified placements at various grade levels. In some instances, small stipends are available at the fifth-year internship level.

Contact CEHHS

335 Claxton Complex 1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718