This course is an overview of the field of special education geared to those who are preparing to work with children and youths with special needs. The course provides fundamental information on the identification and exceptionality, laws and legal cases affecting the delivery of services to individuals with exceptionalities, and the principles of effective educational approaches for each exceptionality. Categories of exceptionality presented include learning disabilities, behavior disorders, gifted and talented, communication disorders, autism, traumatic brain injury, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, other health impairments, and multiple and severe disabilities.
For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.
Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.
Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
- Trace the history of the treatment of individuals with exceptionalities and describe how the various perspectives have changed over time.
- Explain how interindividual and intraindividual differences are measured and trace typical development.
- Review federal and state laws related to the education of children and adults with exceptionalities.
- Discuss the prevalence, etiology, identification procedures, role of heredity and the environment, characteristics, and academic and social manifestations of each of the categories of disability.
- Describe the present educational adaptations, emerging educational trends and instructional approaches for each of the exceptionalities covered.
- Discuss the lifespan issues of each of the exceptionalities and describe elements of self- care, independence, and self-advocacy.
- Identify characteristics and misconceptions about children with exceptionalities and their families.
- Investigate and describe the controversial issues in special education.
- Review current research and practice related to exceptionality.
- Introduction to Special Education
- Interindividual and Intraindividual Differences
- Federal and State Laws
- Categories of Exceptionality
- Educational Adaptations and Approaches
- Lifespan Issues and Self-Care
- Families of Children with Disabilities
- Exceptionality and Society
- Research and Practice
- Exams/Quizzes
- Reflection Papers
- Class Activities and Participation in Discussions
- Textbook
- Library
- Handouts
- Films
- Periodicals
Outcome 1: Students will be required to read their textbook and other assigned readings and their comprehension, critical analysis evaluation, and ability to apply their newfound knowledge will be measured by classroom discussions, reflection papers, and objective tests.
Outcome 2: Students will be required to engage in classroom discussions and write comparison, evaluation, or reflection papers requiring critical thinking.
Outcome 5: The critical thinking outcome will be measured by classroom discussion and the comparison, evaluation, and reflection papers that are designed to encourage students to engage in factual, insightful, rational, and evaluative analysis.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.