Special Education
Course Description
Summary
This course will provide knowledge and skills to offer effective education to students with a range of learning and behavioral characteristics, in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on building an equitable environment for all ages and grades, preK-12, to implement in the future. We will consider how to structure classrooms and plan teaching that is conducive to meeting diverse needs, including those of students with disabilities and English language learners. The special education referral process and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will be reviewed. We will also explore current research-based practices, including differentiation, and management of collaborative relationships with families and other school professionals.
Learning Outcomes
- Among others, to study:
The historical, political and sociological perspectives of exceptional students.
Implementation mechanisms including prereferral systems, referrals, screening multidisciplinary team (MDT) responsibilities, verification, placement, and individual education plans (IEPs).
The implications of inclusion, mainstreaming, and least restrictive environment.
Multicultural, diversity, and bilingual issues related to the field of special education.
The social and educational impact of medical and technological advances for persons with exceptionalities.
Strategies for pinpointing behavior, writing goals and instructional objectives, planning accommodations, and designing interventions.
The complexity of working with diverse families.
The collaborative skills necessary to be an effective member of a special education team.
Prerequisites
Appropriate preK-12 teaching experience, or "Pedagogies: Education Theory and Practice" (EDU 2113), or "Teaching to Transgress: Radical Pedagogy Practicum" (EDU4402.01), or "The Global Music Classroom" (EDU4403.01), or "Teaching Languages and Cultures K-6" (EDU2151.01), or permission of the instructor.
Please contact the faculty member : jpitcher@bennington.edu