Active Learning Opportunities in Special Education

• Individuals in the Standard Special Option complete a minimum of 300 hours in public school settings with individuals in the K-12 age range, across severity levels of disabilities prior to student teaching.
• Individuals in the Early Childhood Handicapped (ECH) Option complete a minimum of 300 clock hours with the K-12 population (same as Standard Special) and a minimum of 100 clock hours in settings providing educational programming to birth through eight-year-olds with disabilities or at risk for disabilities.
• Individuals in the Early Childhood Handicapped Option with Dual Endorsement 0-8 complete the clock hours required in the ECH option (see above) and complete an additional 100 clock hours with individuals 0-8 in non-school and school settings.
• Individuals in the Standard Special option with Dual Certification in Elementary Education or Secondary Education complete the 300 clock hours described above specific to the Standard Special Option and complete an additional 100 hours in Elementary (K-9) or Secondary (6-12) consistent with the dual certification being earned.
• Students majoring in Special Education participate in an organization which is part of a national organization: Student Council for Exceptional Children. As part of each student’s involvement, eight service hours are required to be considered an active member. Service hours include functions and activities in group home settings and other activities with or designed to benefit individuals with disabilities. Approximately 75-90 students participated in this organization and its activities Fall and Spring semester, 2002-2003.
• Students who meet the standards of scholarship, leadership and service participate in the Eastern Alpha Chapter of Sigma Rho Epsilon. This is a scholastic honorary which donates time and money to activities to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Each Spring this scholastic honorary group organizes over 500 volunteers for the Area 9 Special Olympics. Approximately 25-35 students participated in this organization and its activities Fall and Spring semester 2002-2003. Members also are involved in activities of “Natural Ties.”
• Of the 500-plus Eastern students involved in Special Olympics Spring 2003, approximately 250 were Special Education majors.
• Fall 2003, 650 Eastern Illinois University students participated in the ICTC Special Olympics Family Fun Festival. Of the 650 who spent an entire Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., being a “Friend for a Day” approximately 200 were Special Education majors.
• Approximately 70 Special Education majors, as part of their service learning, volunteer and serve as “Best Buddies” to individuals with moderate to severe disabilities.
• All Special Education majors must volunteer 16 clock hours in extra curricular activities involving individuals with disabilities prior to student teaching.
• All Special Education majors must complete 30 clock hours of “service learning” prior to student teaching. The 30 hours must involve individuals with moderate to severe disabilities and the activities.