As part of this course, students will have to arrange K-12 special education class settings to do 20 practicum hours.

To complete this course, you must be registered with the Family Care Safety Registry. Failure to register by Wednesday of the first week of class will result in your removal from the course.

If you have questions regarding this requirement, please contact Jane Bethel, jbethel@centralmethodist.edu.

Polloway, et al. (2018).  Strategies for Teaching Learners with Special Needs textbook (11^th ed.). Pearson Publishing.

You do not need a paper copy of the textbook. You will need an access card to the Enhanced Pearson etext. There are two ways to purchase this – 1. Etext included with the Access to Enhanced text. 2. Paper copy with access to Enhanced electronic text.

Option #1 = Etext with Access to the enhanced text ISBN: 978-0-13-471121-8

Option #2 = Paper copy with access to the enhanced text ISBN: 978-0-13-457775-3

Often the easiest and most cost effective way of purchasing this text is directly from the publisher. Here is a link to the website in which the book may be purchased:

http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/strategies-for-teaching-learners-with-special-needs-9780134577753?xid=PSED

Make absolutely sure that you are buying access to the Enhanced Pearson eText, 11th edition - NOT just the ebook!

This course provides an introduction to the educational and psychological characteristics (cognitive, emotional, and social) of individuals with mild-moderate disabilities and the implications that these characteristics have for educational practice.  Problems of definitions, screening, diagnosis, classification systems, transition, future planning, classroom management, and multicultural issues are addressed.  Information useful for selecting and developing intervention programs for students with mild disabilities including physical and other health impairments are addressed.  Included is an overview of research in the field with emphasis on the study of instructional approaches emphasizing specific methods and materials. This course includes 20 hours of practicum experience. (4 cr. hours)

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the cognition and language characteristics of students with learning disabilities.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of personality and social characteristics of students with learning disabilities.
3. Understand the importance of assessment with learning disabled students.
4. Demonstrate and use instructional strategies for teaching students with learning disabilities.
5. Promote smooth transitions into new learning environments and develop a transition plan (CAT2).
6. Demonstrate an understanding of educational placements and services.
7. Understand the relevant features of school systems and the expectations for students with special needs. 
8. Understand the issues related to educational programming for special needs students