New Special Education major to debut this fall
Huntington, Ind.- Huntington College will offer a new program in special education next fall. The Indiana Professional Standards Board approved a proposed special education program by Huntington College, effective immediately. The special education program will lead students to a license for Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention in grades K-6.
The new program is a series of curriculum enhancements at the comprehensive Christian college. Special education will join environmental science as a new program this fall. In the spring of 2001, Huntington College announced new business programs in e-commerce, small business management (entrepreneurship) and non-profit organization management.
"In keeping with the college's mission to 'impact the world for Christ,' the new special education major will teach perspective teachers how to show God's love through tested teaching techniques, thereby encouraging special needs children, their parents and their teachers to see the ways that these special youngsters can be part of the body of Christ and have value and success in this world," commented Dr. Steve Holtrop, Assistant Dean for Curriculum Development and Associate Professor of Education at Huntington College.
Huntington College has responded to a great need in the market of special education. Figures from the U.S. Department of Education revealed that 38 states reported 17 categories of teacher shortages for the 1998-1999 school year. Of those 17 categories, nine were in some area of special education. In addition, 20 of those 38 states reported shortages in general special education.
On the local level, Fort Wayne Community School (FWCS) employees were recently told that 20 percent of all FWCS special education teachers are teaching on provisional licenses, indicating that not enough teachers with special education licenses were available for employment.
The special education program will add five additional courses to the regular elementary education program. The National Council for Accreditations of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits the Huntington College Education Department, and the Indiana Professional Standards Board approves teacher education programs leading to licensure. Many surrounding states have cooperative agreements with Indiana that allow individuals with Indiana licenses to teach in those states. The Education program is among the largest academic programs at HC and places students in classrooms every semester, ensuring wide exposure to different grade levels and teaching and learning styles.
Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. US News and World Report ranks Huntington among the best in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.
