Version: 3/20/2019 2
Additional Course Information
Topical Outline: Each offering of this course must include the following topics (be sure to include information regarding lab,
practicum, and clinical or other non-lecture instruction).
1. An overview of basic special population/education issues (assessment, the continuum of services, related services,
co-teaching and consultative services)
2. An overview of the policies, practices and programs in special education dealing with special populations in
contemporary educational settings (inclusion)
3. An overview of the changing cultural face of America with particular emphasis given to:
• Cultural diversity in families and schools
• Economic diversity among families
• Multicultural education
• Bilingual education and English as a Second Language
4. An overview of parents, families and special populations with particular emphasis given to, but not limited to, topics
such as:
• parent-educator relationships
• effective communication methods; principles for effective parent-teacher conferences (conversing with families in all
their different forms)
• family systems approach
• effects of a child’s difference on parents and the family and the dynamics of these relationships; risk factors for child
abuse associated with children with special needs
• family involvement and the relationship to school success
• methods for increasing family involvement in schools at all levels
(elementary, middle school, high school)
5. An introductory overview of intellectual impairments, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, gifted
and talented, speech and language disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical and health disabilities,
and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Historical studies of these various fields
• Descriptions of educational considerations and services associated with each of these
• Their prevalence and causes,
• Assessment, classification, and characteristics of each
6. Practice of the following domains in the State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional
Responsibilities standards: I. Designing instruction and assessment to promote student learning, II. Creating a positive,
productive classroom environment, III. Implementing effective, responsive instruction and assessment, and IV. Fulfilling
professional roles and responsibilities.
7. In addition to class lecture and discussion, students will participate in 16 hours of observations in state-accredited
programs at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels (with 8 hours of observation scheduled for the level
of certification). Sites must be approved in advance through the department and must include varied and diverse
settings.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Describe the characteristics of exceptional learners (e.g. Learning Disabilities, Gifted and Talented), including
legal implications.
