Master of Education in Visual Impairments Special Education (VISION)

The curriculum of our VISION program is designed to immediately improve the professional competencies of our learners. Principles learned in the earlier courses are often built upon in later courses.

VIS 6010 Special Education and Visual Impairments (3)
Provides fundamentals of physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychological development of individuals with varying exceptionalities with a focus on individuals with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities. Includes a focus on research-based theories, relevant laws and policies, diverse and historical points of view, and issues in special education.

VIS 6020 Introduction to Braille (3)
Provides fundamentals in reading and writing Braille using a Braille writer and slate and stylus and methodology for teaching Braille reading and writing. Includes a focus on teaching and using Braille within content areas.

EDU 6075 Diversity in Classrooms and Schools (3)
Provides an overview of the diverse educational needs, challenges, opportunities, and rewards that teachers encounter as they seek to effectively meet the needs of learners in diverse classrooms and schools. Candidates will examine diversity research on topics such as socioeconomics, exceptionalities, race and ethnicity, linguistics, learning styles, and genders. A focus will be on the at-risk student and equipping students with tools to make choices. Candidates will be equipped with tools and instructional strategies to effectively create learning opportunities and a positive classroom environment that fosters student achievement.

VIS 6030 Advanced Braille (3)
Provides advanced skills in reading and writing Braille using a Braille writer and slate and stylus as well as methodology for teaching Braille reading and writing. Includes a focus on teaching and using Braille within content areas.

EDU 6080 Interdisciplinary Teaching (3)
Examines strategies to effectively support interdisciplinary instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of providing quality instruction to a class of diverse learners. Candidates will explore interdisciplinary curriculum and learn effective strategies integrating all content areas for enhanced instruction. The focus will be on individuals with visual impairments both in a specialized classroom and in a full inclusion environment.

40 Practicum I (0)
Provides a supervised experience working with individuals who are visually impaired, PreK-age 21. Candidates will complete a total of 30 hours to include classroom experience in mathematics, reading, and Braille classes at Tennessee School for the Blind; 6 hours with an Itinerant teacher; and an overnight experience at Tennessee School for the Blind. Completed concurrently with EDU 6080. Grade of S/U.

VIS 6045 Anatomy and Issues of Visual Learning (3)
Provides an understanding of the physical structures of the eyes and their functions. Includes an understanding of the pathologies that affect the visual system and how they impact the functioning of an individual. A focus will include understanding visual assessments and interpretation of clinical reports.

EDU 6085 Differentiated Teaching (3)
Examines strategies to effectively support differentiated instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of providing quality instruction to a class of diverse learners. Focuses on providing students with multiple options for learning and applying information and expressing what they learn. Candidates will explore the research on differentiated instruction and learn effective strategies for managing flexible groups, providing students with a variety of options to maximize learning, and planning strategically for classroom management issues. The focus will be on individuals with visual impairments both in a specialized classroom and in a full inclusion environment.

VIS 6055 Practicum II (0)
Provides a supervised experience working with individuals who are visually impaired, PreK- age 21. Candidates will complete a total of 30 hours to include classroom experience in science, social studies/history and Braille classes at Tennessee School for the Blind; 6 hours with an Itinerant teacher; and an overnight experience at Tennessee School for the Blind. Completed concurrently with EDU 6085. Grade of S/U.

VIS 6065 Nemeth Code (3)
Focuses on Nemeth Code to study mathematics and other content areas that include mathematics such as science, geography, and others.

VIS 6060 Expanded Core Curriculum (3)
Provides an understanding that students with visual impairments require a curriculum beyond content standards to meet independent and functional living goals. Candidates will gain understanding and practical experience with orientation, mobility, and specialized supports. Instruction will include increasing self-awareness, self-management, self-control, self-reliance, and self-advocacy of students with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities in the home, community, and school. In addition, a focus will include awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for students with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities in the home, community, and school.

VIS 6070 Assessment for Visual Impairments (3)
Examines and explores the unique educational needs of individuals with visual impairments with a focus on individuals with multiple exceptionalities. Candidates will explore and use various techniques for assessment individuals in a full array of educational and community settings.

VIS 6090 Exit Assessment (0)
Presentation of portfolio.