EDSP 323 Special Education Law and Characteristics

Special education is an area that is continuing to expand and change in many ways. It is of utmost importance that the beginning special educators is as current as possible on these changes, many of which will have a direct impact on how he or she will meet the needs of the students he or she will serve.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate must provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 350 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate must reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150 words. (CLO: A, C, E, F)

Topic 1. Normal Patterns of Child Development Compared to Students with Disabilities (Medical, Physical, Cognitive, Language, Social-Emotional, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Spiritual Development)

Topic 2: Lesson Planning and Ethical and Professional Behaviors in the Special Education Classroom.

Community Engagement Plan Assignments (3)

This class includes a required ten-hour volunteer service in a community setting (non-school-based setting). There are three required assignment parts:

Community Engagement Plan: Placement Information Assignment

The candidate will complete a template chart to inform the instructor of the proposed location for the required ten-hour volunteer service in a community educational setting (non-school-based setting), including the supervising organization’s name and other pertinent information. (CLO: F)

Community Engagement Plan: Journal Assignment

The candidate will complete a reflective journal essay after completing ten hours of observation. The reflection will include observations of students and educators, projected evidence-based practices to apply to the setting, and ethically professional biblical worldview integration. The essay must be at least 500 words, be in current APA format, and include at least one citation of the course textbook and at least one biblical reference. (CLO: A, C, F)

Community Engagement Plan: Log Assignment

The candidate is required to log hours throughout the placement in the Community Engagement Log and Assessment, which should specify the dates and times of observations as well as activities observed while working with students with disabilities (e.g., LD, ED, ID) and be signed by the supervisor by the end of the placement. The host supervisor will also complete the CEA to evaluate the candidate’s professional dispositions in the setting. (CLO: F)

Law Analysis Assignment

Using the provided template, the candidate will examine the historical development of disability law through key legislation and litigation for the three major laws of Special Education: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The candidate will complete a comprehensive chart for each law, outlining its purpose, age range, disabilities covered, evaluation procedures, service locations/placement options, behavioral provisions, and dispute resolution processes. (CLO: B, D, E, F)

IEP Goals Assignment

After reviewing the assigned study resources and course presentations, the candidate will use the provided case study to write three standards-based IEP goals. The goals will comply with standard IEP goal writing and meet legal guidelines (CLO: E, F).

Workbook Summary Assignment

After reading the Gibb & Taylor (2022) textbook, the candidate will write a summary of at least 150 words for each section/step (for a total of at least 1200 words). The paper must follow current APA format and must include a title page and a references page. (CLO: E, F)

Final IEP Assignment

An IEP will be completed using a case study provided. While the length of a completed IEP will vary, the candidate must complete all parts of the provided template form, which includes the PLAAFP, three written, standards-based goals, a list of five accommodations/modifications appropriate to the student in the provided scenario, and a rationale for the placement decision. (CLO: C, D, E, F)

Perspective Reflection Assignment

Each candidate will interview with either a student with a disability or the parent of a student with a disability to gain insight into their lived experiences and perspectives. The interview should explore the nature of the disability, including its medical, physical, psychomotor, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional dimensions. Additionally, the candidate will examine the ethical practices that educators demonstrate when working with students. Following the interview, the candidate will compose a 3–5-page summary paper (not to exceed five pages), reflecting on the information and insights gained. The paper must include a title page and adhere to current APA formatting guidelines. (CLO: C, E, F)

Exceptionality and Other Behavioral Concerns Chart Assignment

The candidate will explore the 13 disability categories recognized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and behavioral concerns such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) encountered in K-12 classrooms. By completing the Exceptionality Chart, the candidate will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the definitions, eligibility criteria for special education services in Virginia, and the cognitive, linguistic, behavioral, physical, and medical characteristics of each disability. Additionally, the candidate will identify 4-6 evidence-based teaching strategies or technologies that support students with these exceptionalities. The candidate will address 2-3 educational issues influenced by family, culture, environmental, and social domains. (CLOs: C, E, F)

The candidate will analyze two court cases. Each analysis must be 600 words. (CLO: B, D)

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the textbook material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)