COURSE DESCRIPTION

Reviews the history of education for exceptional children. Studies the characteristics associated with exceptional children including the gifted child. Explores positive techniques for managing behavior and adapting materials for classroom use. Lecture 3 hours per week.

COURSE PURPOSE

To present an overview of the spectrum of special education including the history of special education, and characteristics of each exceptionality.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. appreciate the historical background of the field of special education
2. determine individual differences among children
3. know the scope, definition and characteristics of each type of exceptionality
4. demonstrate techniques for working with children with exceptionalities, their families, and specialists in the field of special education
5. demonstrate a working knowledge of resources in the community for meeting the needs of children with exceptionalities

1. Learning disabilities
2. Mental retardation
3. Speech and language disorders
4. Hearing impairments
5. Visual impairments
6. Physical disabilities
7. Emotional disturbances
8. Giftedness

1. Assessment within the field of special education
2. Early intervention/preschool handicapped
3. Advocacy
4. Litigation and the law