Program Overview

Program Overview

The K-12 Endorsement program at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is designed to cover the standards required by the state for the endorsement in areas such as Art, Music, Physical Education, and Foreign Language.

Program Requirements

To complete the program, students must take a series of courses that meet the state's standards. The required courses include:

• Survey: SESE 540 (3 credits)
• Foundation of Special Education Assessment: ETR 524 or 434 (3 credits)
  • Note: Graduate students and students-at-large must take ETR 524 to receive graduate credit.
• Characteristics and Methods: The material to meet the standards for the characteristics is embedded in the SESE 540 course and each different methods course.
• Methods courses:
  • SESE 561 (3 credits): Methods for Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
  • SESE 601 (4 credits): Methods for Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities
  • SESE 602 (3 credits): Methods for Teaching Middle and Secondary Students with Mild Disabilities
  • SESE 606 (3 credits): Methods for Teaching Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Prerequisites:
  • SESE 554 (3 credits): Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Support in School and Community Settings
  • SESE 603 (3 credits): Functional Analysis for Special Educators
• Total semester hours required: 25

Recommended Coursework

It is strongly suggested that students also complete SESE 559 (3 credits): Transition from School to Employment, Career and Post-Secondary Education for Students with Disabilities.

Assessment

In addition to the coursework, students must pass the LBS I content-area exam (290) to complete the program.