SS 214 - Exceptional Education

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the characteristics and implications (educational, social, and physical) of individuals who deviate from the average or normal to such an extent that they require a modification of educational practices to develop their capacity. Such individuals include those who demonstrate differences in their mental characteristics, sensory abilities, physical characteristics, social or emotional behaviors, and communication abilities, or those who evidence multiple handicapping conditions. In addition, the ways to reach students with extraordinary abilities, such as academic proficiency, will be covered. Each student is required to participate in a 15-hour observation/field experience.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

define exceptionality;
describe the history and treatment of students who are exceptional;
explore the legislation related to exceptional education, including the No Child Left Behind Act;
explore the family and community issues regarding exceptional education;
describe the types of assessment instruments, strengths, and weaknesses of various instruments, and how they relate to the education of exceptional students;
describe the types and characteristics of special education programs;
explore the educational programs available to students with intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision loss, and students with other exceptional circumstances;
describe the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner), how this theory can be used in the classrooms, and how these relate to academically gifted students as well as other students;
explore administrative arrangements for, and educational management of, individuals who are academically gifted and talented;
discuss the classroom management techniques for dealing with students who are exceptional;
discuss the social concerns surrounding students with disabilities and who are exceptional; and
discuss the multicultural and diversity issues surrounding students with disabilities in the preschool, school-age, and adult populations.

Prerequisites: EN 100 or permission of the department chair or coordinator of a teacher preparation program.
F/S (C)