SPE/513
Orientation to the Exceptional Child
Online
Format
$1620
Estimated Tuition
3 credits
Total credits
6 weeks
Course length
Start when you're ready
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Course level: EDU Graduate
This course provides an overview of special education and the characteristics of exceptional learners. Candidates are introduced to special education laws and their implications for identification and eligibility, service delivery options, and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). In addition, the use of technology, collaborative practices, and transition planning requirements are examined. Candidates will also reflect on their dispositions and motivations to teach and explore basic philosophies, professionalism, and legal and ethical ramifications in education. This course is not available for enrollment to residents of Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia. Wisconsin, Wyoming, and individuals who reside outside the United States
Prerequisites
This graduate level course requires proof of completion of a Bachelor's degree. Be prepared to provide documentation during the checkout process.
What you'll learn
Course skills and outcomes
Week 1
- Investigate the philosophical, historical, and legal principles that form the basis of special education practice.
- Distinguish terminology used in the education of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
- Examine current trends and challenges in special education.
- Explore the IDEA eligibility categories, FERPA guidelines, and state and federal laws relevant to special education.
Week 2
- Examine the pre-referral, referral, and multidisciplinary evaluation processes.
- Compare an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
- Classify assessment instruments and practices used for determining special education eligibility and IEP construction.
- Distinguish service delivery options and least restrictive environment (LRE).
Week 3
- Investigate the cognitive, processing, and language characteristics of exceptional learners.
- Explore the social, personality, and learning characteristics of exceptional learners.
- Determine the identification and eligibility guidelines for students with other health impairment and emotional disturbance.
- Examine the use of accommodations, modifications, and differentiating instruction for exceptional learners.
Week 4
- Interpret the definitions and laws regarding assistive technology in special education
- Distinguish technology devices and tools to support communication, instruction, assessment, and lesson delivery for exceptional learners.
- Differentiate the benefits and challenges of adopting and implementing assistive technology.
Week 5
- Investigate current practices in schools regarding collaborative planning and instruction for exceptional learners and guiding paraeducators.
- Determine the importance of school-to-family collaboration and communication.
- Examine the transition planning process for post-secondary outcomes.
- Explore methods for encouraging self-advocacy and self-determination to promote student engagement.
Week 6
- Describe the professional expectations and standards of practice for special education teachers.
- Explain the legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers.
- Assess the importance of teacher-reflection to improve teaching practices.
- Explore professional organizations for special education teachers.