EDUC160 Introduction to Exceptionalities
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Education
- I. Course Number and Title
- EDUC160 Introduction to Exceptionalities
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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This course includes five hours of observation.
Pennsylvania Department of Education clearances required. - VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course provides an overview of the different categories of exceptional learners. The course emphasizes issues in the education of individuals with cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and physical handicaps, including inclusion and other placement options. Students complete five hours of observation.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- describe current legal standards which mandate appropriate education for exceptional children, including appropriate screening and assessment;
- explain effective techniques and grouping practices utilized in teaching exceptional children in diverse placements;
- describe the different classifications of exceptional children and the learning characteristics of each group of children; and
- describe how family and culture affect the education and development of a child with a disability.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- An introduction to the field of special education
- Definition of exceptional
- Diagnosis and labeling
- Working with parents and families
- Cultural issues in the assessment of special learning needs
- Cognitive impairment
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Learning disabilities
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Emotional disturbance
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Gifted and talented
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Visual and hearing impairments
- Assessment and observation techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Low incidence handicaps
- Teaching techniques
- Inclusion
- Pros and cons of inclusion
- Classroom adaptations for successful inclusion
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
The assessment of course learning goals will be based on participation in classroom discussions, observation summaries, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date -4/99; Revised 7/2010; New Core 8/2015; Revised 6/2017