Course Description
Topics related to services and instruction in the field of special education. Emphasis is on school-related issues such as eligibility and placement, the development of individual education plans, transition planning, special education policies, and response to intervention.
Athena Title
Contemporary Issues in Spec Ed
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EDSE 3040, EDSE 6040E
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
Permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Foundations: Historical and Contemporary Legislative and Policy Issues 1. Identify and describe both the past and present litigation and legislation which has affected the person with disabilities in regard to Right to Education, Right to Treatment, Right to Due Process, Right to Education in Least Restrictive Environments, etc. 2. Discuss the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities and the impact it has had on present day policy. 3. Discuss due process as it relates to students with disabilities. 4. Identify the components of the current DOE Implementation Manual and its content. 5. Discuss current legislation, policy, and litigation in the field as it relates to teacher education. Characteristics, Definitions, and IEPs 6. Identify current characteristics and eligibility criteria for the disability categories in Georgia. 7. Outline the discipline procedures for students both with and without disabilities. 8. Write an IEP from start to finish, including a Behavior Intervention Plan, incorporating all of the present day requirements such as standards-based objectives and access to grade-level standards. 9. Critically discuss the debate of how and where children should be educated. Early Identification/Intervention 10. Identify and describe the need for early intervention services. 11. Look at recent research and data on the effectiveness of early intervention, EIP, IFSPs, and RtI. 12. Identify the agencies in Georgia that are pivotal in coordinating early intervention services. Health Related Issues 13. Describe the types of health care needs that may require teacher intervention in the classroom and how to access training to meet these needs. 14. Operationalize general personal and student safety procedure for handling common classroom medical needs and wheelchairs. 15. Describe how to incorporate health care related needs into a student's IEP. Transition Planning 16. Identify what transition planning entails; recent changes in transition policy; write a transition plan. 17. Critically discuss the adult years for people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities; includes social, employment, and independent living domains. 18. Identify local and state resources for adults with disabilities. 19. Discuss the feasibility of a transdisciplinary team approach. Working with and Understanding Families and Other Professionals 20. Discuss the role of parents and families in the education of their child with a disability. 21. Discuss the unique challenges that families face when raising a child with a disability. 22. Identify how to work successfully with paraprofessionals and direct their work within a classroom to maximize their skills while minimizing student dependence. Civil Rights and Issues that Affect Daily Life 23. Identify those professional organizations which function as group advocates for persons with disabilities. 24. Critically discuss segregated vs. integrated vs. inclusive school placement. 25. Define mandated reporting and be able to identify the signs of abuse and neglect. 26. Identify who is responsible for the administration of medication, feedings, and toileting needs. Technology 27. Identify current instructional technologies that provide students with high-incidence disabilities access to the curriculum and support modality deficits in the classroom. 28. Identify assistive technologies, including augmentative communication devices, that support students with moderate to severe disabilities both in and out of school. Link to CEC Professional Standards: http://www.cec.sped.org/~/media/Files/Standards/ProfessionalStan dards/Initial_Standards.pdf
Topical Outline
1. Special Education Policies and Procedures 2. Early Intervention Policies and Services 3. Writing IEPs 4. Least Restrictive Environment 5. IQ Assessment and Eligibilities 6. Transition Planning 7. Response to Intervention 8. Differentiation 9. Individual Rights 10. Working with Paraprofessionals 11. Technology
Syllabus