DEPARTMENT
OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
PROGRAM
A CAREER IN EDUCATION WITH A FUTURE
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY'S PROGRAM
A large number of children and
adolescents exhibit learning and behavior problems - particularly in the
public schools between the ages of 3 and 21. Regular classroom teachers
often need assistance in meeting the needs of these students. These
children and youth are typically classified as having learning disabilities,
emotional-behavioral disabilities, mild mental retardation, economic disadvantages,
and educational handicaps. Due to a nation-wide shortage, LBD teachers
are needed throughout the United States, especially at the secondary level
and within rural areas such as Eastern Kentucky. Professional organizations
such as The Council for Exceptional
Children (the largest professional organization for special educators
in the world) are supporting legislation and programs to continue opportunities
in the schools and the communities where student with LBD will live and
work.
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Special Education teachers determine what to teach
these children through both formal and informal testing, observation, and
other assessment procedures. Special educators also determining the
ideal conditions necessary to educate these students. Teachers engage
in active teaching and evaluates the progress with each student with learning
and behavior disorders. To meet the needs of these students, LBD
teachers consult with parents, regular classroom teachers, and other professionals.
Each teacher of students with learning and behavior disorders adapts the
curriculum to the student's learning styles and also the setting to facilitate
learning of social and behavior management, individual assessment, prescriptive
teaching, and curriculum analysis.
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Most teachers trained in this area work in the public
school systems throughout the United States. Others work in private
or parochial schools. Some special educators work in residential
facilities for individuals with mental retardation, emotional-behavioral
disabilities, or juvenile delinquency. An increasing number of teachers
are needed to work in early childhood programs.
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The Learning and Behavior Disorders Program is located
in the Department of Special
Education. Pre-service and in-service teacher training is offered
through the bachelor's and master's degrees and through Kentucky's planned
programs for Rank II and Rank I.
The Bachelor of Science Degree requires 134-146
semester hours, depending on the options chosen. Observation and
field experiences in the local school systems are important aspects of
the program. For students with an undergraduate degree in Learning
and Behavior Disorders, the Masters of Arts degree requires 30 semester
hours. Graduate assistantship and scholarships are available.
Learning and Behavior Disorders B.S. Degree Programs
Please call the
Department of Special Education at (859) 622-4442.
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