716 Selected Topics in Special Education
Professor: Dr. Lisa Allen
Email: lsallen@campbellsville.edu;
Phone: 270-789-5169
Empowerment for Learning
Course Description: This course is an advanced study of issues in special education
administration. Emphasis will be on current topics and critical issues in the administration
of special education programs and related services. Opportunities will be available for the
student to develop skills which are linked to the administration of programs for students with
disabilities (e.g., researching, writing and speaking about current issues).
Text: No text required
Objectives and Topics:
Objectives:
 Demonstrate knowledge of responsibilities and problems associated with
administration and supervision of special education programs
 Demonstrate knowledge of principles of curriculum development and
instructional design
 Develop knowledge of cultural and linguistic diversity in education
 Develop an understanding of the historical and future issues and trends
impacting the field of special education
 Describe, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and discuss various educational issues
presented in professional literature in special education
 Critically review the professional literature surrounding issues and trends in
special education
Topics:
 leadership and administration
 response to intervention (RtI)
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assessment and accountability
related services/assistive technology
parental involvement
at-risk populations and programs
high needs schools
cultural diversity
rural and urban education
funding issues
ethical issues
research based instruction
National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A)
I.D. Use data in making leadership decisions
II.A. Identify, use, evaluate, and promote appropriate technologies to enhance and support
instruction and standards-based curriculum leading to high levels of student
achievement
III.E. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and their potential uses in education
IV.A. Develop, implement, and monitor policies and guidelines to ensure compatibility of
technologies
V.B. Use technology to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communication
findings to improve instructional practice and student learning.
VI.C. Promote and enforce privacy, security, and online safety related to the use of
technology
Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards for School Leaders
(ISLLC)
1K.04 Information sources, data collection, and data analysis strategies
1D.06 A willingness to continuously examine one’s own assumptions, beliefs, and practices
1D.07 Doing the work required for high levels of personal and organization performance
1P.03 The core beliefs of the school vision are modeled for all stakeholders
1P.15 The vision, mission, and implementation plans are regularly monitored, evaluated, and
revised
2K.01 Student growth and development
2K.06 Curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement
2D.03 Variety of ways in which students can learn
2D.06 The benefits that diversity bring to the school community
2D.08 Preparing students to be contributing members of society
2P.06 Diversity is considered in developing learning experiences
2P.14 Curriculum decisions are based on research, expertise of teachers, and the
recommendation of learned societies
2P.17 Student learning is assessed using a variety of techniques
3K.04 Human resources management and development
3D.02 Taking risks to improve schools
3D.03 Trusting people and their judgment
3D.04 Accepting responsibility
3P.03 Emerging trends are recognized, studied, and applied as appropriate
3P.07
3P.18
4K.02
4D.01
4P.01
Time is managed to maximize attainment of organizational goals
Effective communication skills are used
The conditions and dynamics of the diverse school community
Schools operating as an integral part of the larger community
High visibility, active involvement, and communication with the larger community is
a priority
4P.05 Credence is given to individuals and groups whose values and opinions may conflict
4P.14 Public resources and funds are used appropriately and wisely
5K.01 The purpose of education and the role of leadership in modern society
5K.05 Philosophy and history of education
5D.05 Subordinating one’s own interest to the good of the school community
5P.01 Examines personal and professional values
5P.04 Serves as a role model
5P.06 Considers the impact of one’s administrative practices on others
6K.06 Global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning
6D.02 Recognizing a variety of ideas, values, and cultures
6P.01 The environment in which schools operate is influenced on behalf of students and
their families
6P.02 Communication occurs among the school community concerning trends, issues, and
potential changes in the environment in which schools operate
KENTUCKY TEACHER STANDARDS (KTS): Diversity Proficiencies
2.2
Uses contextual data to design instruction relevant to students
2.4
Plans instructional strategies and activities that address learning objectives for all
students
4.2
Implements instruction based on diverse student needs and assessment data
5.4
Describes, analyzes, and evaluates student performance data to determine progress
of individuals and identify differences in progress among student groups
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT
Final grade calculated based on the following percentages:
100
150
150
200
100
700
Participation/class dialogue/discussion
Article Critique/Reviews (3)
Required Readings and class discussion
Paper – in - depth literature review of current issues in special education
PowerPoint Presentation on the lit review paper
Total Points
Grading Scale:
100-90…..A
89-80……B
79-70……C
69-60……D
Below 60..F
Plagiarism Policy: Campbellsville University’s policy on Academic Integrity states: “Each
person has the privilege and responsibility to develop one’s learning abilities, knowledge
base, and practical skills. We value behavior that leads a student to take credit for one’s own
academic accomplishments and to give credit to others’ contributions to one’s course work.
These values can be violated by academic dishonesty and fraud.” (2009-11 Bulletin Catalog.
p 35)
Plagiarism and cheating are examples of academic dishonesty and fraud and neither will be
tolerated in this course. Plagiarism is quoting or paraphrasing a phrase, a sentence,
sentences, or significant amounts of text from a web or print source, without using quotation
marks and without a citation. The plagiarist submits the work for credit in a class as part of
the requirements for that class. Examples of cheating include cheating on a test (copying off
someone else’s paper) or an assignment (e.g., development of a lesson plan) and submitting
the work as your own.
If a student commits plagiarism or cheats in this course, the professor will decide on one of
two penalties: (a) an F on that assignment or (b) and F in the course. The student’s Dean and
the Vice-President for Academic Affairs will be notified of either consequence.
Disability Statement: Campbellsville University is committed to reasonable
accommodations for students who have documented learning and physical disabilities, as
well as medical and emotional conditions. If you have a documented disability or condition
of this nature, my may be eligible for disability services. Documentation must be from a
licensed professional and current in terms of assessment. Please contact the Coordinator of
Disability Services at 270-789-5192 to inquire about services.
Bibliography
Burdine, W. H. (2003). Viewpoint: The president’s commission on excellence in special
education Implications for special education practitioners. Preventing School Failure,
47(2), 92-95.
Berman, S. H. & Urion, D. K. (2003). The misdiagnosis of special education costs. School
Administrator, 60(3), 6-10.
Crockett, J. B. (2002). Special educator’s role in preparing responsive leaders for inclusive
school. Remedial and Special Education, 23(3), 157-169.
Rice, S. (2002). The social construction of “disabilities”: The role of law. Educational
Studies,33(2), 169-180.
Short, P. M., & Greer, J. T. (2002). Leadership in empowered schools: Themes from
innovative efforts. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.