Course Description

Major types of disabilities and giftedness, including definitions, causes, characteristics, and educational implications, will be presented as well as disability perspectives, social, legal, and educational considerations of disability issues. (3 credits)

Required Text and Internet Sources

Turnbull, A., Turnbull, R., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2007). Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools (5^th ed.). Pearson, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Special Education Rules and Regulations:

State: http://cfl.state.mn.us/SPECED/speced.htm

Federal: www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/

Course Objectives

Students will become knowledgeable in the following areas:

Sociological aspects of disabilities, including the culture of disabilities, attitudes toward persons with disabilities, and quality of life issues. (D,E,R) (Tch, SpEd)*
Definitions, causes, characteristics, and educational considerations of exceptionalities including, cognitive, communicative, physical, social/behavioral, and sensory impairments. (D,E,R,C,T) (Tch, SpEd)*
Legal basis of the provision of special education services, including federal and state rules and regulations, and relevant litigation and legislation. (D,E,R) (Tch, SpEd)*
Current educational issues/perspectives, including early intervention, inclusion, transition, and technology. (D,E,C,R,T) (Tch, SpEd)*
Family involvement and the effects of a disability on family functioning. (D,E,C,R) (Tch, SpEd)*

*UMD Learner Sensitive Model: D=Diversity, E=Empowerment, C=Collaboration, R=Reflection, T=Technology.

*Minnesota Board of Teaching License Requirements: Tch=Standards of Effective Practices for Teachers, SpEd=Special Education Core Skill Area

Teaching Methods

This course will utilize a variety of teaching methods including lecture and small group activities, as well as videos and special guest speakers.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in each class session as scheduled. Attendance will be taken during each class and points will be lost for each missed session. Each person will be assigned to a small group for the purpose of discussion and activities during class; each small group activity is worth 10 points. Please note: these points cannot be made up as extra credit; if you miss the class then you are out 10 points. Your participation will contribute to meeting the range of objectives of this course.

Course Requirements and Grading

Students are responsible for materials presented in class lectures, content of the textbooks, and group activities and discussions. All assignments and exams must be completed in order to receive a passing grade for the course.

Assignments Due Dates

1. Small group participation and written summaries 10 points each On-going

2. Book/Movie Review 50 points March 25

3. Reaction paper 50 points May 6

4. Case Study Questions 18 points each On-going

5. Quizzes points to be determined On-going

6. Final Project 100 points May 6

Exams

ü Exam 1 100 points March 13

Course grade will be assigned according to the following scale:

100-93% A 92-90% A-

89-87% B+ 86-83% B 82-80% B-

79-77% C+ 76-73% C 72-70% C-

69-67% D+ 66-60% D

Late Assignment Policy

Assignments are due in hard copy by the beginning of the class period on the dates listed. A late assignment will be reduced by one letter grade for each class period it is late.

Statement of Accommodations: Students who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class, are encouraged to inform the instructor so that methods, materials, and/or testing can be adapted as needed for equitable participation.

DATE:	TENTATIVE TOPICS:	READINGS:
Jan. 22	Course Overview
Jan 24	Overview of Today's Special Education	Ch.1 powerpoint
Jan. 29	Ensuring Progress in the General Curriculum through Universal Design for Learning and Inclusion
Jan. 31	Ensuring Progress in the General Curriculum through Universal Design for Learning and Inclusion	Ch.2 powerpt
Feb. 5	Today's Multicultural Bilingual, and Diverse Schools Guest Speaker - Meg Kearns	Ch.3 powerptReview Heather and Star's case study - choose 1 and answer questions (18) save and print out as hard copy due 12th pbs link
Feb. 7	No Class - Presenting at a conference
Feb. 12	Todays Families and Their Parnerships with Professionals	Ch. 4 powerpt
Feb. 14	Guest Speaker - Krista Sivertson Todays Families and Their Parnerships with Professionals
Feb. 19	Guest Speaker - Penny Cragun Understanding Students with Learning Disabilities	Ch. 5 powerpt
Feb. 21	Understanding Students with Learning Disabilities View F.A.T City	Ch. 5
Feb. 26	Understanding Students with Communication Disorders	Ch. 6 powerpt
Feb. 28	Understanding Students with Communication Disorders	Ch. 6
Mar. 4	Understanding Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders	Ch. 7 powerpt
Mar. 6	Understanding Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders	Ch. 7 Midterm review
Mar. 11	Understanding Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder	Ch. 8 powerpt
Mar. 13	EXAM 1
Mar. 18	Spring Break
Mar. 25	Understanding Students with Mental Retardation	Ch. 9 powerpt
Mar. 27	Understanding Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilites	Ch. 10 powerpt
Apr. 1	Guest Speaker Galynn White	Ch. 10
Apr. 3	Understanding Students with Autism	Ch. 11 autismch11-2
Apr. 8	Understanding Students with Autism	Ch. 11
Apr. 10	Understanding Students with Physical Disabilities and Other Health Impairments	Ch. 12 powerpt
Apr. 15	Understanding Students with Physical Disabilities and Other Health Impairments	Ch. 12
Apr. 17	Understanding Students with Traumatic Brain Injury	Ch. 13 powerpt
Apr. 22	Understanding Students with Hearing Loss	Ch. 14 powerpt
Apr. 24	Guest Speaker - Jonie Langdon-Larson
Apr. 29	Understanding Students with Visual Impairments	Ch. 15
May 1	Understanding Students Who are Gifted and Talented	Ch. 16
May 6	Presentations
May 8	Exam 2

This schedule is subject to change based on instructor's discretion