Department of Special Education

Mission of the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services is threefold. First, the department seeks to increase the number of highly qualified professionals to teach students with special educational needs. Second, the department seeks to improve educational benefits and results for learners with special educational needs by facilitating inclusive and effective practices. Third, the department seeks to improve systems of service delivery in response to research data, government initiatives, and social needs.

The Department serves a unique role within the state of Louisiana. The University of New Orleans is the only post-secondary institution in Louisiana that offers certification programs for all areas of special education. Programs are performance-based and directed toward the initial (post baccalaureate) preparation of teachers as well as advanced additional areas of certification that may be added to initial licenses. Other advanced programs of study in teacher education lead to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. The program of study for leadership personnel in special education leads to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.

The department also supports the preparation and professional development of general education teachers and administrators in collaboration with the other departments within the College of Education and Human Development through its Education Core Courses Concentration (EDUC Core).

All programs leading to certification are approved by the Louisiana Department of Education. In addition to personnel preparation, the department also develops, validates, and disseminates positive practices in special education through research, outreach (service), and externally funded efforts. The programs offered by the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services are designed to develop an understanding of the variety of teacher roles when theory and practice are integrated in culturally diverse, metropolitan educational settings. Program objectives are aligned with the conceptual framework of the College of Education and Human Development as well as the urban mission of the university.

Contact for Undergraduate Course Information: Brenda Burrell, Ph.D. Phone: (504) 280-734 bburrell@uno.edu

Contact for Graduate Program Information: Linda Flynn-Wilson, Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator Lflynnwi@uno.edu

Contact for EDUC Course Information: Janice R. Janz, Ph.D. (504) 280-6537 jgjanz@uno.edu