Help
This course has an assignment that is due by 11:55 pm Central Standard Time on Wednesday night of the first week of class.  Failure to complete this assignment will result in your removal from the course for non-participation. 

Textbooks

Heward, William L.  (2013)  Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education (10th Edition).  Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780132626163

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the profession of Special Education.The history and theoretical foundations of all disabilities, mild to severe, will be explored. Legally mandated processes involved in Special Education assessment, diagnosis, placement, and intervention along with the development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), Individual Education Plans (IEP), and Individualized Transition Plans (ITP) are introduced.

Course Objectives

To identify models, theories, philosophies, and research methods that form the basis for special education practice.

To identify the historical points of view and contributions of culturally diverse groups.

To understand the relationship of special education to the organization and function of educational agencies.

To understand the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, other professionals, and schools related to exceptional learning needs. 

To identify the issues in definition and identification of individuals with exceptional learning needs, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

To articulate a student’s personal philosophy of special education.

To understand the basic terminology used in assessment.

To understand the legal provisions and ethical principles regarding assessment of individuals.

To understand the educational implications of characteristics of various exceptionalities.

To identify the similarities and differences among individuals with exceptional learning needs. 

To identify the impact of learners’ academic and social abilities, attitudes, interests, and values on instruction and career development.

To understand the differing ways of learning of individuals with exceptional learning needs including those from culturally diverse backgrounds and strategies for addressing these differences.

To understand the theories and research that form the basis of curriculum development and instructional practice.