EDU 5088 Introduction to Students With Learning And Behavior Problems - Special Education Course
This course will provide an introduction to the field of learning disabilities and behavior disorders for classroom teachers in both regular and special education at the Early Childhood, Childhood, and Adolescent levels. We will identify the social, emotional, and learning characteristics of children having been identified with behavior disorders, neurological impairment, and learning disabilities. A developmental focus, involving both biological and experiential underpinnings of the disorders will further be discussed in order to understand the multiplicity of factors which give rise to the problems children manifest. As a result of the high co-morbidity (co-occurrence) of problems of perception, language, attention, and motivation, and behavior, these will be identified when they relate to the specific disorders. They will not be covered as specific disorders in themselves. In addition, we will consider effective instructional methods for these students as well as relevant behavioral interventions. Goals and objectives, as well as the instructional strategies employed in teaching will be incorporated in the individual education plans (IEP/IFSP) for individuals demonstrating these problems. The importance of developing collaborative relationships with parents and family members for enhancing student learning and addressing students? exceptional needs will be a significant component of the course.