EDU 5393 Foundations of Special Education
This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of special education. The objectives are to make the teacher-candidate more aware of federal and state special education laws which provide for the identification of individuals with disabilities, the process of determining entitlements to special education services, and the models of teaching that provide for educating the child in the least restrictive environment (LRE) under the umbrella of IDEA and NCLB. The importance of inclusive education and the use of Response to Intervention (RtI) are also addressed. The course provides an overview of theories, diagnostic procedures, and remedial teaching strategies which address students with the broad spectrum of ELNs including: learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, other health impaired, and low incidence disabilities (deaf/hearing impaired, blind/visually impaired). In addition, the course will address the special needs of ELLs and students from different cultural milieus in accessing the school curriculum. Further, teacher candidates learn about effective practices for planning and designing co-teaching and collaboration with peers, individualizing instruction, and applying interventions to address student and classroom management needs. Fifteen hours of field experience in diverse settings is an integral component of the course in order to assist the course participant in linking the classroom didactic with life experiences in the schools and agencies providing education and intervention.