Exceptional Learners Certificate Program (ELM)The Exceptional Learners Certificate Program is designed for individuals seeking to accept the challenge of teaching students with special needs. The program places emphasis on drawing from the knowledge of educational theory and research in the field while integrating it through application. Candidates incorporate course content and experiences with new trends through hands on opportunities. Candidates seeking to earn licensure can pursue any of the five developmental levels associated with serving students who have exceptional needs in areas such as learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, orthopedic impaired, autism, and emotional disorders. Completion of the certificate program and satisfactory scores on the state required examinations and screenings will result in IWU recommending the program completer to the state of Indiana for the "Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention" teaching license. Candidates enroll in groups called cohorts. These candidates take the same courses together and develop professional skills through active learning activities designed to utilize the power of group dynamics and individual initiative. The course delivery format is offered either by online or on-site. The onsite format will have several workshops online therefore all individuals will need ready access to a high speed internet server and hardware and software that meet the minimum requirements as identified by Adult Enrollment Services. The course delivery software will be Blackboard and training in its use is part of the program of study. Candidates should be proficient in word processing knowledge and skills and familiarity with other applications such as spread sheets is recommended before entering the program. Minimum Computer Requirements - School of Educational Leadership |