This program is designed for candidates preparing for careers serving children and youth with disabilities. This program is part of the educator preparation program at either the elementary or secondary level. In the educator preparation program candidates must complete a dual endorsement in special education and elementary or secondary education. The preparation meets or exceeds the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) initial level special educator preparation standards for special education teachers. The mission of the Special Education and Communication Disorders department is to prepare dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who are unique in their ability to facilitate, design, implement, and evaluate programs for individuals with disabilities. This is accomplished by creating opportunities for the acquisition and maintenance of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as prescribed by the Council for Exceptional Children, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (for graduate program only), and state and federal regulations.