SDE- Safety and Drivers Education

Injury Prevention and Safety (SDE 500) is designed to provide professionals with the ability to effectively evaluate and mitigate safety and injury prevention concerns within personal, professional and environmental settings. Focus is specific to motor vehicle, residential, educational, personal, occupational and naturally occurring hazards. Additional focus will be given to cause and prevention. Gold standards for development and implementation of safety planning will be investigated.

Driving Task Analysis centers on a historical perspective of driver education in Illinois with specific focus on effective planning and design. Students will examine the need for effective driver education programs as they relate to HTS safety as well as the administrative and procedural requirements per state law.  Additionally, students will closely examine essential programming techniques as they relate to effective driver development. 

Technique & Theory of Driver Education- Classroom (SDE 502) provides students with the expertise required to instruct the classroom phase of driver education. Students will gain exposure to effective curriculum building and implementation techniques necessary to produce responsible and informed motorists. Furthermore, this course will provide candidates with effective resources and activities essential to developing and maintaining an effective driver education classroom environment.

T/T: Driver Education- Behind-the-Wheel provides students with the expertise required to instruct the behind-the-wheel phase of driver education.  Students will gain exposure to effective teaching techniques and implementation procedures necessary to produce responsible and informed motorists.  Furthermore, this course will provide candidates with functional teaching strategies and modifications essential to developing and maintaining a safe and effective in-vehicle experience.

This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach students with diverse disabilities. Participants will explore the physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges that may impact driving abilities and learn how to conduct individualized assessments to tailor instruction accordingly. This course explores adaptive driving equipment, vehicle modifications, and safety protocols designed to promote independence while ensuring safe driving practices. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, applying legal and ethical considerations, and collaborating with families and healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive and personalized driving education plans. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, candidates will gain the confidence and competency needed to foster safe and independent drivers among students with disabilities.

This course explores the procedures and protocols for teaching the Range and Simulator phases of Driver Education. Highlights include methods for effective program design, finance, maintenance, and implementation. Candidates will be required to perform a field study at a school that incorporates range and simulator instruction. Additional focus will be given to instructing advanced, evasive and emergency driving maneuvers.