LAMBUTH UNIVERSITY

 

Department of Education

The Exceptional Child and School

EDU/PSY 2303

Spring 2007

Monday- Thursday 4:00- 6:45 pm

Room: College Union 217

             

 

Instructor: Stan Parker, M.S.            

Phone: (731) 661-9285 (home) and (731) 695-6973 (cell)

E-mail Address: sparker@aeneas.net

 

Required Text: Turnbull, A., Turnbull, R., Shank, M., & Wehemeyer, M. Exceptional Lives (2007). (5th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

 

Course Description

This course covers the educational and psychological aspects of learning for children and youth who are exceptional. It considers the influence of the school and the home in the development of the exceptional child. The course is designed to provide all students planning to enter the field of education, counseling, or therapy with a general overview of the major areas of exceptionality. Emphasis will be given to: (1) legislation, (2) definitions, (3) characteristics, (4) instructional planning for the general classroom teacher, (5) an introduction to identification, (6) incorporation of and referral of the uncertified exceptional child, (7) teacher attitudes, and (8) consultative roles of professionals.

 

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.

 

Standard 2

 

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

 

Standard 3

 

Diverse Learners. Candidates understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

 

Standard 4

 

Teaching Strategies. Candidates understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills in students.

 

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.

 

Standard 6

 

Communication. Candidates use knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the learning environment.

 

Standard 7

 

Planning. Candidates plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, community, and curriculum goals.

 

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.

 

Standard 9

 

Reflective Practitioner. Candidates are reflective practitioners who continually evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seek out opportunities to grow professionally.

 

Standard 10

 

Colleagues, Families, and Community. Candidates foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well being.

 

Standard 11

 

Technology.

11.a Candidates use technology and technology-based resources to facilitate developmentally appropriate student learning.

 

11.b Candidates use technology to enhance their professional growth and productivity.

 

11.c Candidates effectively use and manage all technology available to them and explore uses of emerging resources.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Exams. There will be three, in-class exams during the semester. All exams will cover material from lectures, presentations, demonstrations, videos, and required readings. Please note that the lectures are designed to complement, not necessarily repeat, material in the text chapters; just because something in the readings is not specifically discussed in class does not mean that it is unimportant.

15% each

 

Research Paper. Based on a subject addressed in the course. 3 To 5 pages in length. APA format and a minimum of three references other than the text.

10%

 

Presentations. There will be a presentation based on your paper. The instructor will provide guidelines.

10%

 

Observation assignments. There is a fifteen hour field placement for this course. Students will spend this time observing in a special education environment within the Jackson-Madison County School System. An observation log will be required (format will be provided by the instructor). A signature by the classroom teacher is required for each observation. Initials are not acceptable.

 

Finally, an observation packet must be completed. The observation packet consists of four assignments. The assignments are included in the Teacher Education Program (TEP) Handbook.

All education majors must purchase the handbook. All Assignments must be typed.

25%

 

Reflection writing. At the end of the course , short paper and presentation will address what you have learned and comments on how this course has affected your perception of Special Education

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 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 Teacher 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 be 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

January 14

Course Introduction and Overview

 

 

January 28

Overview of Today’s Special Education

Chapter 1

 

February 4

Ensuring Progress in the General Curriculum: Universal Design and Inclusion

 

Ensuring Progress in the General Curriculum: Collaboration and Multicultural Responsiveness

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

February 11

Today's Families and Their Partnerships with Professionals

Chapter 4,

 

February 18

Understanding Students with Learning Disabilities

Exam 1

Chapter 5

 

February 25

Understanding Students with Communications Disorders/hearing Loss/Visual Impairments

Chapters 6, 14, 15

 

March 3

Understanding Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders/

Gifted

Exam 2

Chapter 7, 16

 

 

 

March 17

 

Understanding Students with Mental Retardation

 

Chapter 9

 

 

March 24

Multiple Disabilities

Chapter 10

 

 

April 7

Autism/Papers Due and presentations

Chapter 11

 

April 14

Physical Disabilities

Chapter 12

 

April 21

Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Chapter 13

 

April 28

ADHD/Reflective Paper

Chapter 8

 

May 5

FINAL EXAMINATION