Course

 Description:

This course will introduce learners to methods and strategies for identifying and integrating into the classroom the student with special needs. Highlights will include instructional activities, curriculum modifications, assessment strategies and adaptations useful in the standards-based classroom. Learners will apply strategies in their own classrooms, where appropriate.

Prerequisite:

PCRII or waiver by placement testing results or Departmental approval.

Required Text:

Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 7^th Ed., William Heward, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hall, 2003.

Course Objectives:

Learners will:

1. define special education
2. learn implementation strategies
3. understand assessment and the IEP process
4. develop appropriate cultural responses in curriculum and instruction
5. develop skills needed for effective communication with teachers, parents and families
6. appreciate the implications of special education practices in early childhood
7. develop familiarity with special topics including but not limited to:

·        mental retardation

·        learning disabilities

·        emotional and behavioral disorders

·        communication disorders

·        hearing loss

·        blindness and low vision

·        physical impairments

·        severe disabilities

     8.   understand implications of giftedness

Course Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• identify children with special needs as well as those at risk  (R,W,CT,OC,TS)
• contribute to data collection for and understand IEPs (R,W,CT,OC,TS)
• demonstrate an understanding of formal and informal assessment (R,W,CT,OC,TS)
• develop lesson plans and/or strategies for application in the educational setting (R,W,CT,OC,QS,TS)
• demonstrate environmental modifications appropriate for a child’s needs (R,W,CT,OC,QS,TS)
• demonstrate an understanding of the issues involved in the stages of classroom inclusion (R,W,CT,OC)
• employ strategies to demonstrate an appreciation of cultural diversity in special education (R,W,CT,OC)
• plan and provide special education services as directed by the classroom teacher (R,W,OC,CT,QS,TS)
• discuss issues related to particular populations in the special needs community (R,W,CT,OC)
• demonstrate an understanding of legal and regulatory aspects of special education (R,W,CT,OC,TS)

Key to Core Competencies: R= reading, W= writing, CT= critical thinking, QS= quantitative skills, TS= technology skills

Instructional Methods:

Lecture, discussion, reading and writing assignments, group and individual activities, demonstrations, video presentations, hands-on practice and other methods as decided by the instructor.

Methods of Evaluation:

Participation in classroom discussions

Lesson plan(s) and activities

Student progress evaluation and reporting

Tests and quizzes

Attendance

ADA Statement:

“Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in the classroom are encouraged to contact the Learning Disabilities Coordinator, Nancy Sullivan, at Ext. 1082, or Disability Counselor, Stan Oliver, at Ext. 1464 as soon as possible in order to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.”

Topic Schedule (tentative):

Week 1-  Defining Special Education

Week 2-   Special Education planning and service provision

Week 3-   Cultural Diversity and Special Education

Week 4-   Interaction with families of special needs students

Week 5-   Special Needs and Early Childhood

Week 6-   Mental retardation

Week 7-   Learning disabilities

Week 8-   Emotional and Behavioral disorders

Week 9-   Communication disorders

Week 10-  Hearing Loss

Week 11-  Blindness and Low Vision

Week 12-  Physical Impairments/Special health care needs

Week 13-  Severe Disabilities

Week 14-  Giftedness

Week 15-  Wrap-up and final examination