Sylvia K. Goncz, MS.Ed

EEX2000 - Open College


Introduction to Special Education

M I A M I  -  D A D E   C O L L E G E       F  A  L  L     2 0 0 4

EEX2000 at North 2005

 

Orientation Information

 

 

Dear student:

 

Welcome to Open College's Introduction to Special Education ! 

 

 The purpose of this site is to explain how this Open College course works and to provide you with the information you will need to complete it successfully. I recommend that you visit this site throughout the semester.

 

 

Sylvia K. Goncz, MS. Ed

 

 

Instructor:

Sylvia K. Goncz, MS.Ed

MDC

School of Education

Miami-Dade College

 Dept and Number:  EEX-2000

Phone

(305) 325-1818 ext.328       

 Mail:  Linda Ray Intervention Center
 750 NW 15th Street, Miami FL, 33136

E-mail:

EEX2000@aol.com

Text:

Heward, W. (2002). Exceptional Children. An Introduction to Special Education, 7th edition, Prentice Hall, Inc.

Credits:  3

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION                     UP

Students will become familiar with pieces of laws and litigation that have historically influenced special education and children with disabilities in the United States. Characteristics, prevalence, causes, educational placement options, prognosis and learning strategies of each of the thirteen categories of disabilities under the law (IDEA '97) will be examined. Students will become familiar with the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and the Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) that mandate services for children with disabilities.

  PREREQUISITE:   NONE

 

 COURSE OBJECTIVES / CONTENT:                     UP

         The student will be able to

  • v

Define and provide examples for the following terms: exceptional student, disability, handicap, at risk and special education.
v State the percentage of the school age population receiving special education services.
v Explain the legislation and litigation that govern the education of exceptional children.
v List and describe the six major principles of the IDEA.
v Describe the court cases that preceded the IDEA, and the court cases that challenged the IDEA.
v Explain the purpose of prereferral and referral intervention.
v Define and discuss early intervention for children with special needs.
v Explain the importance of teaming and collaboration.
v Identify the members of the IEP team and describe the seven components that must be included on the IEP.
v Describe the components found on the IFSP.
v Define the continuum of services and list the special education placement options from least to most restrictive.
v List and describe three factors that may account for disproportionate placements of culturally diverse students in special education.
v Describe appropriate assessment practices for students from culturally diverse backgrounds.
v Describe various learning strategies used with special needs children.
v Discuss related services as they apply to children with disabilities under the IDEA law.
v Explain the characteristics for all thirteen categories of disabilities under the IDEA law.
v Identify the prevalence of children with disabilities under the IDEA law.
v Explain the causes of children with disabilities found under the IDEA law.
v Explain the educational placement alternatives for children with disabilities.
v Explain the prognosis for children with disabilities.

 

Florida Educator accomplished practice emphasized in this course

#2

Communication- uses effective communication techniques with students and all other stakeholders.

#5

Diversity - uses teaching and learning strategies that reflect each student's culture, learning styles, special needs, and socioeconomic background.

#8

Knowledge of Subject Matter - demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

#9

Learning Environments - creates and maintains positive learning environments in which students are actively engaged in learning, social interaction, cooperative learning and self­ motivation.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS                     UP

 

1.

Assignment #1:  

Review the following pieces of legislation: PL 93-112 (The Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Section 504; PL 105-17 (The IDEA Amendments of 1997), including Part “B” & “C”, PL 101-336 (The Americans with Disabilities Act).  Prepare a Newsletter that you would send to parents informing them of their rights and responsibilities according to the above pieces of federal legislation.  In the newsletter you would want to highlight the provisions of the above.  The newsletter must be attractive, free from grammatical, spelling and other errors.  It must be inviting and informative.  Include in your newsletter 5 (five) websites that pertain to children with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, organizations and/or chat rooms for parents. Prepare a bibliography (APA style) of at least 5 (five) articles to accompany the newsletter. 

This assignment is due on September 27th, 2004.  It will count for 25% of your final grade.

2.

One take home exam will be given.  It will count for 20% of your final grade.  

This examination is due October 18th, 2004.

3.

Assignment # 2: 

You will observe a classroom for a minimum of two hours.  At least 10% of the classroom should be disabled.  You will be required to submit a written description of what you observed (minimum 3 pages).  Some of the information may require you to speak to the educator.  Please include the following information:

A. Describe the classroom setting (arrangement, size, student/teacher ratio, environment).

B. What is the classroom management system? What is the daily schedule?

C. Describe the interaction you observed. Detailed.

D. Ask the teacher: What is the criteria for entrance into this program? Why did he/she choose this type of class? How does he/she feel about mainstreaming the children into regular classes? What is the prognosis for the children with disabilities in the classroom?

E. Summary. What is your overall impression of the classroom? What did you like or dislike about the program? How you might have done it differently.

This assignment is due November 8th, 2004. Please email it to EEX2000@aol.com. It will count for 20% of your final grade. 

 

4.

Assignment # 3: 

Portfolio -Prepare a portfolio of all your notes and key terms. It must be typewritten. Divide it into different sections (i.e. Hearing Impaired, Learning Disabilities, etc) and place it in a binder neatly. Please include additional information found in websites, handouts, etc. This assignment is due December 7th, 2004. It will count for 30% of your final grade.

 

Please include the following in your Portfolio:

1. Binder with title Portfolio  EEX2000 and Name of student in front / last name on the side of the binder

2.Organized into sections with Title Sheet

3.Include (3-5) website articles and journal articles of interest (hard copies) pertaining to each section

  • You can make your portfolio as creative as you would like.

  • Please organize your material appropriately.

  • Make the portfolio easy to understand to the reader.

  • It should be attractive and informative.

This portfolio is a product of all your hard work and effort in class.  Please value the experience of creating something that is for you and others to read.

 

  Evaluation

Information

40

typed notes and website / journal articles

Organization

30

Attractiveness

20

Overall Presentation

10

Total

100

 

The portfolio must include all your ‘typed’ notes from each chapter (3-5 pages for each chapter).  

 

Follow the Assigned Readings/Portfolio Requirements found in your syllabus!  

 

Incomplete and limited information will result in a lower grade.

5.

All assignments must be typed and submitted with a cover sheet as follows: (No plastic covers, please)

 Title of Assignment

 Your Name and Class

 Semester and Date

 Abstract (if necessary)

 

All references must conform to APA style. If you are not familiar with this format, purchase a manual in the bookstore or find it online.

 


 Instructional Methods/Strategies:                     UP

A variety of methods and strategies will be used to help students accomplish their objectives. This includes mandatory review sessions, discussion, website searches, ongoing email contact.

 Honor Code Policy:

All aspects of the Miami Dade County College Honor Code Policy will be followed and enforced.

 Office Hours:

By appointment only and scheduled by phone or email contact.

 Attendance:

Class attendance for orientation and review sessions is mandatory and expected at the undergraduate level. 

 Late Assignments:

In the event that an emergency arises preventing students from meeting assignments and course requirements, the professor may grant approval for a late submission. If permission is not granted, the late assignment will be dropped one grade per day for each day submitted late.

 Date of Course Outline Development/Revision:

July 2004


COURSE SCHEDULE   > 2004                     UP

Date

Topic

Reading

Assignment

8 / 31

Syllabus Overview

Chapter 1

Orientation
9 / 7

Special Education 

Chapter 2

 
9 / 13 Culture

Chapter 3

 

9 / 20

Families

Chapter 4

 

9 / 27

Early Childhood

Chapter 5

Assignment # 1

10 / 4

Mental Retardation

Chapter 6

 

10 / 11

LD

Chapter 7

 

10 / 18

M I D T E R M    E X A M 

 

 

10 / 18

Emotional/Behavioral

Chapter 8

 

10 /25

Communication

Chapter 9

 

11 / 1

Hearing Impaired

Chapter 10

 

11 / 8

Visually Impaired

Chapter 11

Assignment # 2

11 / 15

Physical/Health

Chapter 12

 

11 / 22

Severe

Chapter 13

 

11 / 29

Gifted/Transition to Adulthood Chapter 14& 15  

12 / 7

FINAL MEETING

 

Portfolio

  •   Bold means that you are responsible for attending these sessions.

Orientation::  Discuss Syllabus and Course Requirements.

Tuesday August 31th, 2004 > 4:30-5:30 p.m., Room 7128 

Assignment #1: is due September 27th, 2004
Midterm Exam: is due October 18th, 2004
Final Meeting: Portfolios are due and reviewed.
  Tuesday, December 7th, 4:00-6:30 p.m., Room 7128

IMPORTANT:

THE PROFESSOR WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING PORTFOLIOS AFTER TUESDAY DECEMBER 7th, 2004

> > ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT WOLFSON CAMPUS


ASSIGNED READINGS AND PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS                     UP

Chapter 1:

1. Define and provide examples for the following terms: exceptional children, disability, handicap, and at risk.

2. State the percentage of the school age population receiving special education services, and the four largest disability categories.

3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of labeling.

4. Explain why laws governing the education of exceptional children are necessary.

5. List and describe the six major principles of the IDEA.

6. Describe the court cases which preceded the IDEA, and the court cases which challenged the IDEA.

7. Define special education and describe the three levels of intervention efforts.

8. Explain the major challenges special education currently faces.

 

Chapter 2:

1. Explain the purpose of prereferral intervention.

2. Explain the importance of collaboration and teaming.

3. Describe the three models for teaming: multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary.

4. Identify the members of the IEP team.

5. List and describe the seven components that must be included on an IEP.

6. Explain what is meant by least restrictive environment.

7. Define continuum of services, and list the special education placement options from least to most restrictive.

8. Discuss the controversy of inclusive education.

Chapter 3:

1. Identify the prevalence of culturally diverse students placed in special education.

2. List and describe three factors that may account for disproportionate placements of culturally diverse students in special education.

3. Explain the steps teachers should take to become culturally responsive educators.

4. Describe appropriate assessment practices for students from culturally diverse backgrounds.

5. Describe strategies for designing and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum.

6. List and define the four approaches to bilingual special education.

7. Explain how teachers can implement culturally responsive instruction in their own practice.

Chapter 4:

1. Discuss the various benefits of early intervention.

2. Explain the IDEA mandates for providing services to young children.

3. Describe how an IFSP differs from an IEP.

4. Describe the four major types of assessment used in early childhood special education.

5. Explain the goals around which early intervention programs should be based.

6. Explain what is meant by developmentally appropriate practice.

7. Explain how IEP/IFSP objectives for infants and young children should be evaluated.

8. Discuss the various types of intervention strategies used in early childhood special education.

9. Identify the types of service delivery programs for young children, and tell the advantages and disadvantages of each.

10. Describe the various types of professionals who are involved in the education of young children with disabilities.

11. Discuss how parents can make the greatest contributions in an early intervention program.

Chapter, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: (for each chapter)

Definition of the Disability (IDEA definition) –there might be more than one definition!

Prevalence

Causes

Characteristics

Identification/Assessment

Educational Placements/Alternatives

Learning Strategies

 

Chapter 15

1. Summarize the data on how former special education students fare as adults regarding employment, postsecondary education, incarceration, and quality of life.

2. Describe the various models and services for transition from school to adult life.

3. Discuss how secondary school programs can enhance competitive employment prospects for young adults with disabilities.

4. Explain what is meant by supported employment.

5. Explain the role of the employment specialist.

6. Describe how self-management can be implemented to promote successful employment.

7. Describe the limitations of sheltered workshops.

8. Describe the following types of residential alternatives: group homes, foster homes, apartment living.

9. Discuss the importance of recreation and leisure in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

10. Explain how handicapism affects the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

 

http://www.prenhall.com/heward/ 

* Include information from Websites (look in back of each chapter) www.nichcy.org is a great source!

 

EVALUATION                       UP

 

All assignments will be graded using and A - F system as follows:

 

A

90 - 100

B

80 - 89

C

70 - 79

D

60 - 69

F

Below 59

 

 

 

EEX2000 - Introduction to Special Education

Midterm Take Home Exam

Fall 2004: October 18th, 2004


 

You have been asked to write a paper about a disability for a Special Education Journal.

 

You need to choose one of the following disabilities: Mental Retardation, Learning Disability, Autism, Visually Impaired or Hearing Impaired.

 

 

In your paper discuss:

 

A. History  (10 points)

B. IDEA Definition (5 points)

C. Prevalence  (5 points)

D. Causes (10 points)

E. Characteristics (10 points)

F. Educational Placement (5 points)

G. Learning Strategies (Include at least 5 detailed strategies that teachers can implement in the classroom) (10 points)

 

 

For your paper, you must include:

  • Title Page

  • Abstract Page (5 points)

  • Reference Page to support your information   (10 points)

  • The paper must be a minimum of 5 pages.

  • The paper must reflect an in depth understanding of the information found in the assigned readings, websites and articles.

  • Please check your spelling and grammar because this will count towards your final grade!

  • Please use APA format- (This website may help you http://www.docstyles.com/apacrib.htm 

  • Make sure you cite all information!  If it is not your own thoughts or words, you must cite the author(s). 

 

Total Score:          /70             Please email it to: EEX2000@aol.com

 

 

Newsletter Requirements

(Please email it to: EEX2000@aol.com)

 

You must include a detailed description on the laws pertaining to children with disabilities:

1. 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973

2. Americans with Disabilities Act (an extension of  504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

3. IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (formerly known as PL 94-142-The Education of All Handicapped Children’s Act of 1975)

4. Part C of IDEA (birth to two)

5. Part B of IDEA (3-5 years)

6. Websites (5)

7. Articles and Books (5)

Be Creative! Have Fun! I hope that the information you receive will benefit the parents of the children you teach!

When               we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone               downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our               action... — Maya Angelou

 

 

When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action... — Maya Angelou

 

 

 

 

Check your activities schedule!

TOP      

 

| Miami-Dade College  |  Wolfson Campus  |  contact me: EEX2000@aol.com |  webmaster: Rafael Mendiola  |

 

RESOURCES

 ( a contribution of Rafael Mendiola)

 

   Kid Source online:  Educating Exceptional Children
  Eric Digest Digest #E456
  Special Education Resources on the Internet Resources in the net
  The special education home page Do you know all that you should about special education?
  Wrightslaw Information about special education law
  Special Education News News related to educating students with disabilities.
  Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for parents Parent Training and Information Centers
  ISER Internet Special Education Resources
  Marc Sheehan's special education page Educational Resources and Lesson Plans
  About Resources for specialed
  Yahoo Especial Education Categories and Listing 
  Special Education Tips for a special ed teacher
  Teachers-Special Education Nature of the job - US Dept of Labor
  Special Education Inclusion A controversial subject
  Special Education Topics Students with special needs
  JSET ejournal Journal of special education technology
  Special Education for Special Children Website resource for special education
  Awesome Library Special Education topics
  Education World Special Education Community
  TEA Special Education in Texas
  SNE Project Special Needs Education Project Canada
  Oregon Dept of Education Office of Special Education
  NASDSE The National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc
  University of Virginia Office of Special Ed Categorical Information
  Legal Resources for special education University of Virginia
  INTO What's New - Special Education
  CFDA Special Education Grants for infants and families with disabilities
     
Textbook Newsletter sample (Rafael Mendiola)
NewsletterDoc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hit Counter

 

 

 

 

651:021106:2103

603:081805:1843

477:012005:2324

468:011205:0118

454:122104:2213

395:110104:0034

296:081304:1645

281:072004:0645