SPED1205

This course provides an overview of the historical and philosophical foundations of special education and provides the foundation to support education for individuals with disabilities. The student will learn the importance of inclusion and the impact it has on individuals with disabilities by examining legal and social environments of education. The student will also learn how to adapt learning materials for a variety of learning environments. Student observation techniques and developing personal philosophy of special education will be studied as well. Students will complete fifteen hours of field-based experience in a special education classroom setting under the supervision of a licensed special education teacher.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Define the role of special education based on an individualized planning and programming process.
• Examine the process of free appropriate public education to students in special education through a continuum of services.
• Define historical, philosophical, contemporary issues and legal bases pertaining to the education of individuals with disabilities.
• Identify definitions, characteristics, and educational implications for students with disabilities eligible for special education services.
• Describe how disabilities can impact the student's ability to learn, interact socially, and contribute to the community throughout the life span.
• Describe a student's strengths as a basis for growth, and a student's errors as opportunities for learning.
• Examine areas of exceptionality in learning, including learning disabilities, perceptual difficulties, and special physical or mental challenges, gifts, and talents.
• Analyze strategies to support student learning at the highest possible levels.
• Utilize information about students' families, cultures, and communities as the basis for connecting instruction to students' experiences.
• Examine student rights and teacher responsibilities to provide equal and appropriate education for students with disabilities.
• Observe and document student behaviors and teacher adaptations in a special education classroom setting.