Special Education Methods

This course provides an overview of methodologies used in teaching learners with special needs from early childhood on, with an emphasis on students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional handicaps. Students explore the relationship between individual student characteristics and the development of the Individualized Education Program, instructional implications of special education categories, characteristics of various service delivery models, task analysis, unit and lesson development, instructional strategies, classroom organization and management, behavior management, crisis prevention, and transition planning/career counseling. Communication through consultation and collaboration and professional/ethical practices are also considered.

Topics and Objectives

Synthesis of Assessment

• Examine formal and informal assessments used to evaluate student strengths and needs.
• Distinguish among special education categories based upon IDEA eligibility criteria and their implications for instruction.

Overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• Identify components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as defined in the IDEA.
• Explain the process of IEP development and implications for due process.
• Analyze an IEP that results in appropriate educational services based upon evaluation of student strengths, needs, category of disability, and state and/or district standards.
• Describe IEP considerations that maximize opportunities for learning in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Planning for Instruction

• Describe differing learning styles of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Describe characteristics of culture and implications for instructional practice.
• Apply task analysis to the development of instructional sequences.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials for varying student needs.
• Explain effective unit and lesson development based on the Essential Elements of Instruction.

Implementing Instruction

• Examine instructional strategies that promote student success and modifications/ accommodations that support student needs.
• Analyze informal assessment strategies to measure student progress.
• Propose alternative grading methods.

Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment

• Describe basic classroom management theories and strategies for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Propose environmental modifications that contribute to student learning.

Managing Student Behavior and Social Interaction

• Describe social skills needed for educational and other environments.
• Describe approaches that influence behavior of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Describe components of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Describe crisis prevention and intervention.

Planning for Other Needs

• Identify processes of assisting students in making transitions from one setting to another.
• Identify issues in management of health care needs.
• Describe career awareness and vocational activities for students with special needs.
• Describe strategies that promote cultural diversity and disability awareness.

Communication and Collaborative Partnerships

• Describe models of consultation and collaboration among professionals.
• Describe the role of the paraprofessional in special education.
• Propose ways in which parents and non-professional community resources contribute to student success.
• Identify advantages and disadvantages of consultation and collaboration in an instructional environment.

Professionalism and Ethical Practices

• Examine professional and ethical practices related to educating a student with special needs.
• Describe a personal philosophy of educating a student with special needs based upon appropriate professional and ethical practices.