Q. Graduate students in the Special Education Program are already required to complete the comprehensive Special Educator program of study. Why do we need to take more coursework if we want to be prepared to work with students with significant behavioral concerns?

A. Oregon’s basic special education teaching license (i.e. the Special Educator license) requires training in the full spectrum of disabilities. In order to provide the coursework and field experiences the Special Educator license demands within four terms, our pre-service program cannot provide preparation in all the competencies needed to develop programs and systems to effectively support the instruction of students with significant behavioral concerns unless individuals take additional coursework.

Q. How much additional coursework is required?

A. The PBS Focus Area students are required to register for an additional 3 credits (1 credit of PBS Seminar each quarter) beyond the Special Educator program of study.

Q. How can I participate in the program?

A. You need to submit a letter of intent to Chris Borgmeier. Deliver the letter to the Special Education office in room 204 of the Graduate School of Education or mail it to:

Chris Borgmeier
Graduate School of Education
P. O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
email: cborgmei@pdx.edu

We will accept a total of 6 students in the focus area from the full-time cohort.

Q. What if I submit a letter of intent but change my mind at a later date?

A. You can terminate participation in the program at any time without prejudice. However, your ability to get any monetary refund for coursework will be subject to the official PSU course withdrawal guidelines.

Q. Can I enter the PBS Focus Area after it begins in the fall?

A. Since content throughout the PBS Focus Area builds upon coursework, practicum, supervision, and seminar across the year, students are encouraged to begin the Focus Area in the fall. Students are welcome to attend the PBS Seminar throughout the year even if they are not involved in the Focus Area, however, the Seminar will specifically focus on the cumulative training needs and experiences of the students in the PBS Focus Area. This has not prohibited students who are not in the Focus Area from participating and enjoying the PBS Seminar.

Q. What exactly is covered in the program?

A. The PBS focus area consists of coursework, small group PBS Seminar throughout the year, and mentored field experience focused on increasing student understanding and application of the principles of PBS in their classrooms to support all students, but particularly those students who present significant behavioral challenges.

Q. What if I have questions that have not been addressed in this handout?

A. Contact Chris Borgmeier (503) 725-5469 or via email at cborgmei@pdx.edu.