EDSP 429 Survey of Trends in Special Education

This course provides an overview of special education related topics including legal/ethical issues, documentation procedures, development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). Models of service delivery and the importance of collaboration among professionals across settings are addressed. *Please note, this course is not part of a program leading to eligibility of a Virginia state teaching license (or license in any other state). Individuals seeking to obtain a state teaching license should contact soelicensure@liberty.edu for recommended course options.

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

Special education is an area that continues to expand and change in many ways. It is of utmost importance that classroom and special education teachers stay as current as possible on these changes, many of which will have a direct impact on how they will meet the needs of the students with disabilities they will serve.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the purpose of the Discussions is to generate interaction among candidates in regard to relevant current course topics. The candidate is required to post one thread of at least 400 words and two replies of at least 250 words each. Each thread must integrate one biblical principle. Each thread and each reply must be supported by at least one scholarly citation in current APA format, which may include the textbooks, Bible, educational websites, and journal articles. (CLO: B, C, H, K)

Essay on Least Restrictive Environment

The candidates will write an essay on Least Restrictive Environment, describing the principle and how it is to be applied in the placement of students with special needs. The paper should be two pages long (not including the title page and reference page), and include what IDEA does and does not require as well as the general rules that have resulted from legal proceedings. The description is to be followed by a one page reflection stating the candidate’s philosophy regarding the education of students with disabilities as influenced by faith. (CLO: B, D)

PowerPoint Presentation on Three-tiered Model of Prevention

Candidates will develop a narrated PowerPoint presentation to describe the three-tiered prevention model, its benefits and challenges associated with development and implementation. The PowerPoint presentation must be at least ten slides, excluding the title and references slides. (CLO: A, G)

Special Education Teacher Interview Assignment

The candidate will interview an educator regarding school/home partnerships. After completing the interview, the candidate will write at least a one-page summary of the interview in current APA format. (CLO: A, C, J)

Writing Transition Goals

Using a provided case study, candidates will identify the student’s strengths, needs, and interests/preferences/desires. Based on he case study, the candidates will write appropriate post-secondary goals for education, vocational education/training, employment, daily living, and community involvement.

Writing a Behavior Intervention Plan

Using a provided case study, candidates will complete a Behavior Intervention Plan Template, identifying a target behavior and developing a BIP to address the identified behavior. (CLO: A, J)

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Candidates will choose one of the topics addressed in the module containing this assignment– trends in early childhood education, bullying and mental health policies and practices in schools – and create an annotated bibliography on the topic. .(CLO: A, D, E, G)

Lesson Plan for an Inclusive Classroom

Candidates will use a provided template to create a lesson plan for a diverse classroom. The grade level and subject will be chosen by the candidate.

Position/Opinion Paper

Candidates will choose one of the trends/issues presented in this course. They will review the information provided in Canvas and do additional research if necessary. They will write a paper to describe the trend or issue and explain their opinion or position. The paper must be at least 4 pages, excluding the title and reference pages.