Course Description
Supervised field experience related to teaching individuals with disabilities.
Athena Title
Pract in Special Education I
Non-Traditional Format
Field-based practicum.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Specific objectives to be developed as a result of this course include: Gaining an understanding of the characteristics of individuals with and without disabilities: 1. Understand similarities and differences among the cognitive, physical, cultural, social, and emotional needs of individuals with and without exceptional learning needs. 2. Identify differential characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities, including levels of severity and multiple exceptionalities. 3. Understand and identify educational implications of characteristics of various exceptionalities. (CC2: K3) 4. Access information on various cognitive, communication, physical, cultural, social, and emotional conditions of individuals with exceptional learning needs. (CC2: S1) Understanding the instructional process and planning and evaluating instruction: 5. Understand differing learning styles of individuals with exceptional learning needs and how to adapt teaching to these styles. 6. Identify instructional and remedial methods, techniques, and curriculum materials. 7. Use techniques for modifying instructional methods and materials. 8. Interpret and use assessment data for instructional planning. (CC3: S6) 9. Develop and/or select instructional content, materials, resources, and strategies that respond to cultural, linguistic, and gender differences. (CC4: S2) 10. Prepare appropriate lesson plans. (CC4: S5) 11. Select, adapt, and use instructional strategies and materials according to the characteristics of the learner. (CC4: S7) 12. Sequence, implement, and evaluate individual learning objectives. (CC4: S9) 13. Use instructional time properly. (CC4: S11) 14. Teach individuals with exceptional learning needs to use thinking, problem-solving, and other cognitive strategies to meet their individual needs. (CC4: S12) 15. Establish and maintain rapport with learners. (CC4: S14) 16. Use verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. (CC7: S8) 17. Conduct self-evaluation of instruction. (CC4: S15) Effective management and organization of the teaching environment: 18. Create a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment in which diversities are valued. (CC5: S1) 19. Prepare and organize materials to implement daily lesson plans. (CC5: S3) 20. Incorporate evaluation, planning, and management procedures that match learner needs with the instructional environment. (CC5:S4) 21. Demonstrate a variety of effective behavior management techniques appropriate to the needs of individuals with exceptional learning needs. (CC6:S1) 22. Demonstrate procedures to increase the individual’s self-awareness, self-control, self-reliance, and self-esteem. (CC6:S6) Develop professional communication and collaborative skills: 23. Use collaborative strategies in working with individuals with exceptional learning needs, parents, and school and community personnel in various learning environments. (CC7: S5) 24. Communicate and consult with individuals, parents, teachers, and other school and community personnel. (CC7: S3,S6,S7) 25. Exercise objective professional judgment in the practice of the profession. (CC8: S3)
Topical Outline
1. Evaluation and planning 2. Collaboration 3. Decision making and IEP's 4. Instructional processes and evaluation of instruction 5. Classroom management 6. Professional communication
Syllabus