March 24-25, 1999

ITEM 102-1601-R0399  Approval of Proposal to Add a Minor in Special Education to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Western Montana College of The University of Montana to add a Minor in Special Education to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

EXPLANATION: Western Montana College of The University of Montana currently offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education, preparing teachers for elementary and secondary teaching certification by the Montana Board of Public Education. The Minor in Special Education will further qualify elementary and secondary teachers for the Special Education Endorsement.

This minor will prepare Western's graduates for teaching exceptional children in today's full inclusion classrooms. This endorsement will enhance the competency and marketability of graduates.

Western currently graduates about 130 students yearly with the Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education or the Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. A survey of current students indicates that 43 percent would enroll in this minor. Most students will have taken one or more of the required courses for the Minor in Special Education as part of their basic certification requirements, thus, most students will complete the minor within credit cap limits.


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