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:

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant should be able to: To identify model, theories, philosophies, and research methods that form the basis for special education practice.

To identify the historical points of view and contribution 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, teacher, and 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 your personal philosophy of special education.

To understand the basic terminology used in the assessment.

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

To understand the educational implication of characteristics of various exceptionalities.

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

To identify the impact of learner's academic and social abilities, attitudes, interests, and values on instruction and career development.

To understand the different 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.

Textbooks:

Heward, William L.  (2013) Exceptional Children An Introduction to Special Education (11th Edition).  Pearson.