Rationale: Broad subject preparation
Both state and federal requirements expect special education students to meet the same high standards as other students; therefore, special education teachers must have adequate content preparation for the core subjects they will teach. This preparation should not be different from the general content preparation for elementary teachers described in Standard 27, and it should enable the special education teacher to deliver instruction in the language arts, social studies, the fine arts and science.
Teacher preparation programs in Illinois are required to provide a broad liberal arts program to teacher candidates for elementary special education. The state articulates general curricular standards for special education teachers that include academic proficiencies in mathematics, reading, and natural science and social sciences.
