This course focuses on the nature of individual differences with emphasis on how individual
characteristics affect learning and how research and theory translate into special education practice.
Psychological, socio-cultural, and physical characteristics of exceptional individuals are discussed.
Analysis of research regarding contemporary trends/issues and programs for exceptional individuals is
included.
This course will focus on assessment, curriculum planning, and instruction of individuals with severe
intellectual, orthopedic, sensory, behavioral and functional impairments generally occurring in less than
1% of the population (i.e., low incidence). These individuals typically require significantly more and
significantly different support than their same aged peers in public schools. Although the course will
focus on instructional techniques in all settings, it will focus primarily on instruction in public school
settings and in inclusive classrooms. A brief review of the definitions and eligibility categories most often
associated with the term low incidence will be provided along with a discussion on how low incidence
disabilities affect families and family systems. Students will describe and practice specialized assessment
techniques and instruments used with low incidence populations. Students will then identify, select, and
demonstrate appropriate teaching strategies and behavioral support for various situations and
individuals with low incidence disabilities. Students will learn special procedures for health care issues,
motor disabilities, communication, and socialization skills. Considerations for developing skills in the home, community, and workplace will be described and applied to case studies. Students will describe
transition and adulthood issues.
This course focuses on evidence-based instructional theories and practices for students with high
incidence disabilities. The course targets curricular and instructional design for students who need
individualized instruction for successful learning. Effective reading, writing, and math strategies are
discussed.
This course provides an overview of ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity and its
significance in the evaluation, planning, and instruction of exceptional children. An emphasis is placed
on first and second language acquisition, nondiscriminatory assessment procedures, and culturally
responsive instruction.
This course focuses on the history and development of special education laws and the requirements of
those laws. An emphasis is placed on the legal requirements of providing a free appropriate public
education to students with disabilities. The course provides case analysis of legal and ethical principles
in special education practice and offers learning opportunities in presenting professional development
workshops.
This course provides an overview of the history and principles of applied behavior analysis including
ethical and responsible uses. Applications in the educational setting are emphasized within the context
of positive behavior support as it relates to classroom and school wide interventions.
This course focuses on formal and informal assessment of exceptional children. Curriculum-based
assessment, curriculum-based measurement, and standardized testing will be covered. An emphasis is
placed on interpreting assessment results and making decisions that benefit students instructionally and
programmatically.
This course will include theory, techniques and research concerns in home-school-agency-system based
consultation services or indirect service delivery models for individuals or clients who are from a society
which is linguistically, socioeconomically, and socio-culturally pluralistic. There will be an emphasis on
knowledge and concepts related to consultation with special and general education teachers, parents
and families, community agencies and systems who deliver services to individuals and clients.
This course will provide an overview analysis and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative research
methodologies used in the extant literature on pedagogical techniques. Single subject design research
methods and their application within special education will be emphasized. A variety of single-subject
research designs will be examined, and the strengths and weaknesses of each design will be identified.
Issues related to analysis of data, social validity and ethical use research methodologies will be
discussed.
This course focuses on issues of social learning and behavior in special education with specific attention
given to classroom dynamics and ways of addressing the needs of students with moderate/severe
disabilities including ASD. Various models of learning and motivation are explored. The course engages
students in active study of classrooms and enable them to work collaboratively with parents and other
professionals in developing and implementation strategies that support pro-social behavior among
children.
