Secondary Education

Coursework is organized into three key areas: general education, pre-professional education, and special education core. Students begin by fulfilling general education requirements in subjects such as English, math, communication, and statistics, which provide a strong academic foundation.

The special education curriculum covers all essential aspects of teaching students with both high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities. This includes curriculum design, instructional planning, assessment, and collaboration with families and school teams. The program also features a full semester of practicum along with multiple internship opportunities to provide practical experience. Below are a few of the available courses:

SPED 340: PreK-12 Special Education Methods

The purpose of this course is to help special educators effectively plan to ensure their students with high incidence and low incidence needs receive appropriate instructional programming through implementation of evidence-based practices to be successful in literacy, math and content learning. Teaching will be examined as a process consisting of instructional and evaluation practices as applied to individual programming for students.

SPED 375: PreK-12 Assessment in Special Education

This course prepares students to plan, use, and report on formal and informal assessments with individuals with exceptionalities.  Students will gain knowledge and skills in analyzing data from standardized tests, curriculum-based measurements, and observation evaluations. Students will also acquire skills in using assessments to make decisions that will improve instructional and learning outcomes.

SPED 390: PreK-12 Functional Behavior and Interventions

This course focuses on various aspects of human behavior and is designed to prepare both future general and special education teachers with knowledge and skills to effectively manage and promote prosocial skills of students who present challenging behaviors—both those with high and low incidence disabilities. The course is structured around several theoretical underpinnings: (1) behavior is purposeful and fulfills a function, (2) behavior and environment impact each other reciprocally, (3) behavior can be predicted and managed based on principles of applied behavior analysis, and (4) self-management can be promoted through an understanding of various theories of human behavior including social learning, cognitive, and ecological theories.

Discover the full Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary Education - SPED High and Low Incidence) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Graduates are prepared for teaching opportunities across the PreK–12 spectrum. This program is specifically designed to meet the licensure requirements for special education teachers in Kansas. Given the high demand for special education professionals statewide, graduates are well-positioned to secure employment immediately upon obtaining their licensure.

PreK–12 Special Education Teacher

Pre-K12 special education teachers become eligible for Kansas licensure upon completion of the program and passing the Kansas State Department of Education content examinations, enabling them to work with students who have both high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities. Their training includes supporting students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, developing individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and collaborating closely with educators, family, and service providers. They are thoroughly prepared to provide direct instruction and behavioral support in public school settings.

SPED Resource Room Teacher

SPED resource room teachers often work in specialized settings where they provide individualized or small-group instruction. These roles focus on supporting students who require additional academic assistance while continuing to participate in the general education environment.

Inclusive Classroom Co-Teacher

Inclusive classroom co-teachers often serve in dual-certified roles, collaborating closely to support diverse learners. They modify and adapt instruction to meet the needs of both students with and without disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and effective learning environment.

At Fort Hays State University, applicants to the B.S. in Education (Secondary Education – SPED High and Low Incidence) program must complete key general education courses, including ENG 102 and COMM 100, or approved equivalents, with a minimum grade of B. These courses establish foundational writing and communication skills that are essential for effective teaching and professional collaboration.

Additional General Education (Grade C or Higher)

Applicants must earn a grade of C or higher in ENG 101, MATH 110, and either Pre-Calculus/Calculus or MATH 250. These courses strengthen literacy and quantitative reasoning skills, preparing students to effectively manage instructional data and analyze educational research.

Pre-Professional Education Courses

Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in TEEL 202, TEEL 231, and TECS 301. These pre-professional education courses provide a foundational background in pedagogy and educational theory essential for future teaching practice.

GPA Requirement

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher or maintain a 2.75 GPA in their most recent 60 credit hours. This academic standard ensures that students are well-prepared to succeed in upper-division coursework and licensure preparation.