EDU 524: Exceptional Students and Special Education

Overview

This course is designed to present an overview of special education. Students will become acquainted with current special education issues as they relate to inclusive education. Students will gain an understanding of the challenges faced by students with disabilities and analyze the responsibilities of educational professionals to "all students". Future educators will have the opportunty to become familiar with the history and background of current special education laws, develop a knowledge-base of the attitudinal issues regarding inclusive education, develop a philosophical orientation towards effective instruction in inclusive settings, increase technical skills in observing, assessing, planning and evaluating students with both behavioral and instructional challenges and increase interpersonal skills for working collaboratively in decision-making and problem solving.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Discuss information about special education laws, procedures and services.
• Analyze basic knowledge about the foundation and background of special education to develop a philosophical view about inclusive education.
• Identify basic information about the characteristics and needs of students with low-incidence and high-incidence disabilities.
• Assess individual students to identify their learning and behavioral needs, in collaboration with other team members.
• Provide instruction and promote independent learning for students with significant support needs, in collaboration with others.
• Provide basic behavioral support to students with significant behavioral challenges, in collaboration with other team members.
• Develop adaptations and make modifications in instructional materials and evaluation procedures for students with mild support needs, in collaboration with other team members.
• Engage in collaboration and consultation with other team members supporting students with disabilities.

Course Requirements

Webcam (optional)

Required Texts
EDU 524 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore