Disability and Learning – EDSP 726

Course Description

This course examines disability across domains, including learning and cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language acquisition. Included in this review is an overview of disability categories, characteristics and associated supports and services from early childhood through post-secondary interventions.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Leaders in the field of special education need to make decisions based on evidence coupled with knowledge of student characteristics and supports. This course is designed to equip the candidate with a deeper understanding of research and evidence-based practices in the field of special education, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to make evidence-based decisions in conjunction with disability characteristics and supports.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 500 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and contain a minimum of 1 citation in current APA format to support assertions. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and contain a minimum of 1 citation in current APA format to support assertions. (CLO: A, B, C. D, G)

SPED Concepts Template

The candidate will read and analyze Chapter 1 of the O’Brien and Beattie textbook as well as research the concepts covered in the chapter utilizing scholarly journals. After reading the assigned chapter and scholarly journals, the candidate will complete the provided template. Each section of the template must contain between 200-300 words and incorporate at least 1 citation per section (unless otherwise noted). The candidate must provide a word count for each section, a title page, and a reference page. (CLO: A, C)

Foundations of Exceptionalities Template

The candidate will read and analyze Chapter 3 of the O’Brien and Beattie textbook as well as research the concepts covered in the chapter utilizing scholarly journals. After reading the assigned chapter and scholarly journals, the candidate will complete the provided template. Each section of the template must contain between 200-300 words and incorporate at least 1 citation per section (unless otherwise noted). The candidate must provide a word count for each section, a title page, and a reference page. (CLO: A, C, D)

SPED Services PowerPoint Presentation

The candidate will create a PowerPoint presentation from the perspective of an administrator or leader in special education to be presented to pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, or university administration in regard to providing services for students with special needs. The presentation must include 15–25 slides (excluding title page and reference page) and speaking notes for each slide. Supporting evidence from the text and at least 3 additional scholarly resources are required. (CLO: A, B, D)

Chapter Analysis Paper

The candidate will read and analyze Chapter 9 of the Swanson, Harris, & Graham textbook and research the concepts covered in the chapter utilizing scholarly journal articles. After reading the assigned chapter and scholarly journal articles, the candidate will write 3–4-pages (excluding the title page, abstract, and reference page), in current APA format based on the significance of the research, evidence, and outcomes based on the readings. The paper will include at least 3 citations from the textbook and 3 citations from scholarly journal articles. (CLO: D)

Social-Emotional Comparative Article Critique Paper

The candidate will find three journal articles on the topic of social-emotional development in students with special needs.  You will then compile three article critiques.  Each article critique should contain a summary of the article, an analysis of the author’s key points, and personal reflection that is at least one paragraph each.  You will then write a summary comparing what you found in each article critique and include a biblical perspective on students with social-emotional needs. The paper will be 4–7 pages (excluding the title page and reference page) and must contain 3-5 citations and 2 Scripture references as well as headings for organization. (CLO: E, F)

Language Learning Disabilities Paper

After reading Chapters 14, 20, and 30 of the Swanson, Harris & Graham book, the candidate will summarize the main points to demonstrate a relationship between language processes, reading comprehension, and research. A minimum of 7 citations (3 being outside sources) in current APA format are required and the paper must be 5–7 pages (excluding the title page, abstract, and reference page). (CLO: B, C, G)

Exceptionalities Project

The candidate will have the choice of writing a paper or creating a PowerPoint. The 13 disability categories along with the definition, characteristics, and learning strategies for each will be presented.  The paper must be 13 or more pages (excluding the title and reference page) and the PowerPoint must be a minimum of 41 slides (excluding the title and reference slides). A minimum of five citations/references in APA format required.  (CLO: A)

Early Childhood Disabilities Paper

The candidate will read Chapter 14 of the O’Brien and Beattie textbook and research concepts covered in the chapter utilizing a minimum of 3 scholarly journal articles. The candidate will write a 4-5-pages (excluding the title page, abstract, and reference page) in current APA format addressing the provided prompts. The paper must incorporate at least 6 citations and a correctly formatted title page, abstract, reference page, and headings. (CLO: B, D)