SEED 561: Issues in Special Education (3 units)

Robin LaBarbera, Assistant Professor of Education

Description

Provides a basic introduction to the history and educational philosophy of special education and includes a study of mild/moderate disabilities (specific learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional and behavioral disturbances). Examines legal issues and laws pertaining to special education, giving attention to school compliance and student and parent rights. Prepares teachers to educate students with high-incidence disabilities in the inclusive classroom.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:

Understood the historical foundations of special education
Become familiar with laws/legislation affecting special education
Understood the special education process from identification to delivery of services
Developed an understanding of the basic principles of school, family, and community collaboration related to special education
Understood the characteristics of gifted students and students with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD

Course Format

Conducted online over 16 weeks in alignment with Biola University’s 2013 Fall semester. Students will interact with the instructor and each other through interactive online discussions and other assignments.

Required Reading

Sorrells, Audrey M. C., Herbert J. Rieth, and Paul T. Sindelar. Critical Issues in Special Education: Access, Diversity, and Accountability. Boston: Pearson Allyn and Bacon, 2004.
Articles and websites provided online.

Assignments

Weekly reading journal (25%)
Interactive online discussions (25%)
5-7 page focus paper on a specific disability (25%)
5-7 page focus paper on intervention strategies for a specific disability (25%)

Prerequisites

None

Relation to Curriculum

Required for the Special Education Certificate or can be embedded as a concentration in the M.A. in Education or M.A. in Teaching Personalized degrees