Critical Review of Special Education Literature – EDSP 727

Course Description

This course provides a critical review of special education literature on a variety of topics with a focus on teacher education. Topics include universal design principles, evidence-based best practice in subject areas, post-secondary and community-based disability services, and assistive technologies.

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. 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/notes

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 is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 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: B)

Assistive Technology Paper

The candidate will choose 3 peer-reviewed research articles related to assistive technology and augmentative/alternative technology to write a paper. The paper will: (1) distinguish between the varying uses of assistive and augmented/alternative technologies in relation to services and how these are addressed on an IEP, (2) report on 1 current issue in the field of special education related to assistive technology and augmentative/alternative technology, and (3) offer recommendations based on the research to resolve the issue. The 3–4-page paper will include a title page, abstract, and reference page (not included in the page count). A minimum of 6 citations must be included and must be paraphrased and/or summarized. Current APA format headings must be included for organization. (CLO: E)

Behavior Management Video

The candidate will read an assigned journal article and choose 1 evidence-based behavior management intervention/strategy for students with disabilities and create a 3–5-minute training video for a specific audience of interest. The video must include situation-specific information, instructions for implementation, and a resource list. At least three different resources must be cited. (CLO: A, D)

Literacy Research Paper

The candidate will read and analyze a minimum of 3 peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic of leadership and reading disability. The candidate will write a 5–7-page paper detailing the evidence-based best practices that define/characterize an effective reading program and curriculum. This assignment may be customized to K–6, 6–12, or remedial English in post-secondary education. The paper must include a practical, theoretical, and spiritual component; be in current APA format; and include a title page, abstract, and reference page. A minimum of 5 references must be included (the text, 3 journal articles, and the Bible). (CLO:B)

Universal Design

The candidate will analyze Universal Design (UD) principles in leadership and in the classroom to discuss qualitative and quantitative data necessary to create a needs assessment and implement UD principles in the district, school, and classroom. One additional course-related topic (assistive technology, behavior management, literacy, mathematics, or gifted education) must be included. The 4–5-page paper must be written in current APA format, contain a title page and reference page (not included in the page count), demonstrate course-related knowledge, and contain a minimum of 5 citations. Block quotations may not be used in the paper. (CLO: D)

Evidence-Based Writing Practices

The candidate will analyze and synthesize the information from 3 of 10 provided peer-reviewed journal articles regarding literacy innovation and literacy interventions. The candidate will write a 4–6-page paper on writing importance, development, evidence-based practices, and educator use. The paper must be in current APA format, include at least 10 citations total with at least 1 citation per section, and include a title page, abstract, and reference page. (CLO: B)

Mathematics Strategies Presentation

The candidate will create a PowerPoint or Kaltura presentation from the perspective of an administrator or leader in the field of education to be presented to pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, or university administration with regard to research-based strategies for teaching mathematics to students with exceptionalities. At least 1 Universal Design element must be included. Supporting evidence from the reading must be incorporated. Five additional scholarly sources must be utilized, and 1 of the 5 additional resources must be a meta- or mega-analysis. This must be submitted as a PowerPoint with a voice over or as a Kaltura video. If completing a PowerPoint, the presentation must include 20–25 slides (excluding the title and reference slides). If using Kaltura, the video must be 5–8 minutes. (CLO: B, D)

Gifted Education Research and Theory

The candidate will write a 3–4-page position paper on the topic of gifted education and programming for students who are gifted and talented. The candidate will make an evidence-based argument for the model he/she advocates, using the literature to support his/her position. The assignment must be in current APA format, and include a title page and a reference page. A minimum of 2 citations must be included. Only paraphrasing and summarizing may be used for citations. (CLO: B)

Controversy in Special Education

The candidate will read and analyze 3 journal articles and assess and determine what the research reveals about either brain-based learning, learning styles, Brain Gym, or a new/emerging issue in the field that the candidate feels warrants further research. The review must be 4–6 pages and follow current APA format including headings, a title page, abstract, reference page, and a minimum of 6 citations. One of the 3 given journal articles must be cited, as well as at least 2 more peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last 2 years pertaining to the topic of the candidate’s choice (either brain-based learning, learning styles, or Brain Gym). The journal article critique must consist of 4 parts: Overview, Analysis of Key Points, Critical Response, and Current State of the Literature. (CLO: B)

Transition Planning Presentation

The candidate will create a 5–8-minute presentation discussing best practices for supporting students in the following areas: special education versus ADA, post-secondary education, employment and work skills, independent living, self-determination and self-advocacy, and healthy relationships. At least 1 Universal Design element and 5 citations must be included. (CLO: B, C, D)

Social Skills and Cognition Paper

The candidate will choose social skills or social cognition to complete a 3–4 page paper elaborating on current evidence in the research (5 years or less). The paper must be written in current APA format and include a title and reference page. There must be a minimum of 5 citations. Only summarizing and paraphrasing may be used. (CLO: A)