A free information session on Dec. 6 will provide an overview of Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s new courses offered through a partnership with St. Cloud State University.

Northern Twin Cities area students and adults interested in Special Education training have a new option. A partnership between Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) and St. Cloud State University (SCSU) now enables students to take SCSU courses toward a bachelor’s degree in Special Education on the Coon Rapids Campus of ARCC.

Special education is one of the fastest growing areas of education, as the need for special education teachers has been expanding for several years. State employment data show that many school districts are reporting shortages of qualified special education teachers.

Donna Bailey, a Special Education Para Professional at Anoka-Hennepin School District's Bridges program, is working toward her master's degree in Special Education from St. Cloud State University. When Donna, who lives in Ham Lake and works full time in Andover, found that she could take her courses at ARCC's Coon Rapids Campus, she jumped at the chance.

A free information session on SCSU’s Special Education degree program will be held on the ARCC Coon Rapids Campus on Tuesday, Dec. 6. SCSU Prof. Marc Markell will discuss the program and answer questions. The session is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. in the College Services Building, Room C-256.

For further information on the SCSU Special Education degree program, contact ARCC Dean of Educational Services Luanne Kane at 763-433-1297, or e-mail.

Spring 2006 Special Education Courses to be offered on the Coon Rapids Campus are:

SPED 203/503: Special Education Foundations, 3 credits
Tuesdays 5 - 7:45 p.m.; Instructor: Marc Markell
Historical and philosophical background of special education; an overview of disabling conditions and their implications; legal bases; resources; and advocacy.

SPED 420/520: Characteristics of Students with Physical health and Development Disabilities, 3 credits
Thursdays 5 - 7:45 p.m.; Instructor: John Hoover
Prerequisite: SPED 203 or SPED 503, or concurrent enrollment in either course.
Characteristics of and issues related to students with physical, health, and developmental disabilities, including psychosocial, educational, vocational, and leisure outcomes.

SPED 648 Physical/Health Disabilities Methods, 3 credits
Saturdays 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8; Instructor: Judi Azar
Prerequisite: SPED 420 or SPED 520, or concurrent enrollment in either course.
Methods and materials for instructors and programming for students with physical and/or health disabilities; techniques for inclusion. (Course designed for those with existing special education licenses who are pursuing physical/health disabilities licensure.)

ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 9,700 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers.

ABOUT ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
St. Cloud State University is located 70 miles northwest of the Twin Cities along the banks of the Mississippi River. The university offers 15,500 students 175 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in Business, Education, Fine Arts & Humanities, Science & Engineering, and Social Sciences, and 50 master’s degrees through its School of Graduate Studies.

These organizations are members of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.