LAMBUTH UNIVERSITY

 

Department of Education

Characteristics of Mild and Moderate

EDU 4123

Summer 2008

Monday-Thursday, 4:00pm-6:45 pm

 

Instructor: Stan Parker, M.S.

Phone: (731) 423-0634 (office) and (731) 661-9285 (home)

Fax: (731) 425-6979

E-mail Address: snparker@jmcss.org

Office Hours: By appointment

 

Required Text: Cohen, Libby and Spenciner, Loraine J., Teaching Students with Mild and Moderate Disabilities (2005). Pearson Merrill Hall.

 

Course Description

This course covers the characteristics and needs of students with disabilities who can participate in the general curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on etiology, necessary program adaptations, and rationale for non-categorical programs. Field experience is required.

 

Conduct Code

The academic standards of Lambuth University governs all work in this course. Consistent with the University policy, scholastic dishonesty will be punished. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration of academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; or altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying of data, research procedures, or data analysis.

 

Conceptual Framework

Throughout this course, the Lambuth University Education Department’s F.A.C.E. conceptual framework is incorporated as a basis for the instructional design and the outcomes derived from the implementation of the instruction by means of preparation for the FUTURE, emphasis on ACTION, interaction with the COMMUNITY, and concentration on ENGAGEMENT as defined in the Teacher Education Handbook (2004).

 

Tennessee Teacher Licensure Standards: Professional Education

 

Standard 1

Discipline Taught. Candidates know, understand, and use the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of discipline(s) they teach and create learning experiences that develop student competence in the subject matter.

 

1.4 Candidates understand the historical and philosophical foundations of services for individuals with mild and moderate disabilities. They know about current trends and issues in these areas.

 

Standard 2

Student Learning and Development. Candidates understand how students learn and develop learning opportunities that support student intellectual, social, and personal development.

 

2.1 Candidates know the characteristics associated with severe and multiple disabilities and the potential impact they may have on learning and development.

 

2.2 Candidates understand the etiologies and medical aspects of conditions, including the effects of medications, affecting individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. They understand the types and transmissions of infections and diseases.

 

2.3 Candidates understand the impact of sensory impairments and physical and health disabilities on individuals, families and society.


Standard 4

Teaching Strategies. Candidates understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage development of independent living and vocational and academic skills in individuals in grade K-12.

 

4.2 Candidates select appropriate individualized strategies, curricula and materials in teaching individuals with severe and multiple disabilities.

 

Standard 5

Learning Environment. Candidates use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

 

5.2 Candidates minimize barriers to accessibility and facilitate acceptance of individuals with mild and moderate disabilities.

 

Standard 8

Assessment and Evaluation. Candidates know, understand, and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuing intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.

 

8.3 Candidates collaborate with other professionals throughout the identification and initial planning process. They seek multiple perspectives on the strengths and needs of students with mild and moderate disabilities.

 

Faculty Assistance

If you have questions, concerns, or need additional help, see me during my office hours or make an appointment to get any clarification or additional help that you need. Also, if you have a documented disability that impedes learning, please see me for reasonable accommodations.

Course Requirements

 

1. Research article review. Each student will write a review of a research article on a current topic in one of the classification areas of special education.(see chapter headings in textbook). The review must be 3-4 pages in length. Additionally, the review will be presented in class.

30%

 

2. Three, in-class exams.

20% each

 

3. Class participation and involvement in discussing the various models used to affect instruction to those with learning disabilities.

       10%

 

Make-up Policy

Make-up exams will only be given in documented cases involving family or medical emergencies. Any undocumented absence will count as zero in determining the final grade.

 

Penalties for Late Work

It is the responsibility of the student to turn in any assignments in the event of an absence (e-mail attachments and faxes accepted). There will be a 10% grade deduction for each day that the assignment is late.

 

Liability Insurance

Each student taking this class will be required to carry liability insurance for individual protection during observations and other work in schools and/or clinics. You will not be permitted to begin your field placement until it is paid. Liability insurance can be obtained through membership in the Student Tennessee Association (STEA). This must be done at the beginning of the semester.

 

Grade and Percentage Requirements

 

Grade                                                Percentage

A                                                95-100%

B                                                88-94%

C                                                80-87%

D                                                71-79%

F                                                0-70%

 

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in content and schedule contained in the course. Any changes deemed necessary will made in the interest of increasing student learning and performance in the course. Written and/or oral notification will be given as changes are made.

Enrollment in this course represents your acknowledgment and acceptance of these non-negotiable grading policies.

DATE

TOPIC

READING

ASSIGNMENT

July 14

Course Introduction and Overview

 

 

July 15

Preparing to Teach Students with Disabilites

Chapter 1

 

July 16

Knowing Students with Disabilities

Chapters 2

 

July 17

Knowing Students with Disabilities

Chapter 3

 

 

 

July 21

Knowing Students with Disabilities

Chapter 4

 

July 22

Planning and Organizing Instruction

 

Chapter 5

 

July 23

Exam 1- Chapters 1-5

Assessing Students

 

Chapter 6

 

July 24

Selecting Instructional Strategies

 

Chapters 7

 

July 29

Developing Social Skills

Chapter 8

 

July 30

Promoting Positive Behavior

Chapter 9

 

July 31

Exam 2- Chapters 6-9

Partnering with Educators, Professionals, Paraprofessionals, and Families

Chapter 10

 

August 4

Literacy

Research papers and Presentations

Chapter 11

 

August 5

Written and Spoken Communication, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies

Chapters 12,13,14

 

August 6

Learning and Study Skills

Transition

Chapters 15,16

 

August 7

Exam 3- Chapters 11-16