Survey of Exceptional Children

EDSP 3613 – 020

Spring 2004

Instructor:	Amanda G. Allen, Ed. D.
Office:		153D
Phone:	        (254) 519-5411
Email:		aallen@tarleton.edu
Office Hours:	Mondays – 12:30 – 4:30
		Wednesdays – 12:00 – 5:00

Program Goal: Tarleton State University teacher education students, upon completion of certification requirements, will be reflective professional educators who make effective educational decisions that support the creation of dynamic learning environments.

Course Objectives: The student will demonstrate the ability to:

articulate the basic tenants and identify the impact on public education of PL 94-142, PL 99-457, PL 101-476 (IDEA), PL 105-17 (reauthorization of IDEA), ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
define the 13 categories of students with disabilities identified by IDEA.
describe the eligibility criteria by which students with disabilities are identified.
describe the prereferral/referral process.
define the types of direct and related services available to students with disabilities.
demonstrate knowledge of the IEP, ARD committee, due process, reasonable accommodations, and LRE.
describe appropriate inclusionary strategies.
define appropriate supplementary aids and services to students with disabilities placed in general education.
determine appropriate modifications for students with disabilities.

Catalog Description: The characteristics of exceptional learners and the educational programs for individuals with disabilities will be surveyed. Additional course content will include the legislation and court cases related to special education and the referral, diagnosis, and placement of exceptional learners. A field experience is required. Prerequisite: TASP requirement must be met.

Required Texts:

Pelzer, D. (1995). A child called “It”: One child’s courage to survive. Deerfield     Beach,FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Smith, D. D. (2001). Introduction to special education: Teaching in an age of 
     opportunity. (4th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Additional Resources:

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental 
     disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. 

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American  
     psychological association (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Bateman, B. D. & Linden, M. A. (1992). Better IEPs: How to develop legally correct and  
     educationally useful programs (3rd ed.).Longmont, CO: Sopris West.

Boyle, J. R. & Danforth, S. (2001). Cases in special education (2nd ed.). New York, NY: 
     McGraw-Hill.

Smith, D. D. & Tyler, N. C. (2001). Student resource manual and study guide for 
     introduction to special education: Teaching in an age of opportunity (4th ed.). 
     Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Evaluation:

								   Grading Scale
Field Experience Journal 		30 points			A = 440 - 396
Adaptation Project/Presentation	        50 points		        B = 395 - 352
Disability Awareness Project		40 points			C = 351 - 308
Journal Article Critiques		90 points 30/each		D = 308 - 264
A Child Called It			40 points			F = 263 >
Interactive Bulletin Board		50 points
Text Responses/Misc. Assignments	20 points
Exams				        80 points
Professionalism			        40 points
Total			          440 points

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you have or believe you have a disability, it is your responsibility to self-identify. You may do so by providing documentation to the office of the Academic Dean of the Tarleton University System Center – Central Texas or to the Disability Services Director on the Stephenville campus. I encourage students with disabilities to speak with me about accommodations they might need to help assure success in this class, or contact one of the following:

Dr. Steve Vitucci, Academic Dean  Dr. Mary Ann Lipford, ADA Compliance Officer
Tarleton Center – Central Texas	       Teacher and Learning Center
1901 S. Clear Creek Road	       Tarleton State University
Killeen, Texas 76549	               (254) 968-9103
(254) 519-5494

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