BA in Special Education - Cognitive Impairment for K-12 Teacher Certification

The primary goal of the Special Education program is to develop self-confident, inquisitive, and thoughtful educators who are grounded in the breadth and depth of Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Impairments.

The philosophy of the Special Education program is based on beliefs that influence the nature and content of instructional offerings. Emphasis is placed on incorporating practical application with theoretical discussion and legal/ethical aspects of facilitating the learning of children with disabilities.

Siena Heights University’s philosophy of preparing special education students to teach individuals with Cognitive Impairment is built on 10 major points:

Education is for all individuals. Individuals with cognitive impairment are better served when programs are determined by individual learning needs and not categorical labels. Accurate data is the driving force of educational programs and are the foundation for the goals and objectives of an educational program. The full continuum of placements and all educational and community resources must be available to individuals with cognitive impairment. The determination of the least restrictive placement must be based on assessment data. The education of individuals with cognitive impairment should begin as early as possible and continue as long as needed. In all facets of life, transitions from one period to the next are critical. The program for preparing teacher education candidates to teach individuals with cognitive impairment should cover all areas of learning including academic, social, daily living, and prevocational/vocational. The program must be based on research data and best practices. The standard curriculum is the base for building an individual educational program for individuals with cognitive impairment. The schools, as well as the teachers and other school professionals, are an integral part of the community. The special education teacher should provide both direct and indirect services and support to the community. A role of a teacher education program is to meet the educational needs of Michigan individuals. The Michigan Department of Education’s standards, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and current best practices should be the platform on which the teacher education program builds. A goal of the program is to provide leadership in the development of an improved instructional program.

Accreditation

Siena Heights University’s Division of Education was granted national accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the full seven years, from Spring 2020 to Spring 2027. This accreditation certifies the forenamed professional initial certification programs have provided evidence of meeting all CAEP’s standards.

Program Distinctions

• The graduate hiring rate of 100 percent;
• A total of 74 percent of courses have clinical field experience;
• Hands-on modeling of instruction.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.