Pittsburg State University
College of Education
Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies
Summer 2008
Course Number:
SSLS 815
Title:
Individuals with Exceptionalities
Credit Hours:
3
Instructor:
Ann George, Ed.D.
Course Time Schedule:
Independent Study: June 9- July 3, 2008
Office:
211 Hughes Hall
Office Phone:
(620) 235-6090
Summer Office Hours:
By Appointment
E-mail:
ageorge@pittstate.edu
Fax:
(620) 235-4520
Course Information
The student will acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to understand
that the field of special education is diverse and serves several types of students. The
student will also gain a working knowledge of local and state programs that are required
for the education of exceptional learners.
Purpose of the Course
This course is required for all prospective elementary and secondary education majors.
The purpose of this course is to create a positive attitude toward all exceptional students.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
Understand the need to provide for the individual differences of students
2.
Understand the special education process
3.
Understand basic concepts included in the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA)
4.
Understand the legal basis for special education programs
5.
Know assigned disabilities, characteristics and methods for meeting needs
6.
Describe a variety of instructional methods that can be used with exceptional
pupils
7.
Understand the importance of collaboration between general and special
education
Instructional Resources
Educational resources from media centers and/or internet
Kansas Special Education Process Handbook: http://www.kansped.org/
ANGEL will be used as an instructional tool for class sessions
Teaching Strategies
The instructional format of this course will be a on-line with assignments posted and
submitted through ANGEL.
Course Textbook
Vaughn, S., Bos, C., & Shum, J. (2007). Teaching students who are exceptional, diverse,
and at risk in the general education classroom. (4th Ed.) Boston: Allen and Bacon.
Course Requirements
Assigned text readings
ANGEL assignments
Book report
Final exam
Course Evaluation
The final grade for the course will be assessed in the following manner:
Percent
Points
Grade
90-100%
500-450 points
A
80-89%
449-400 points
B
70-79%
399-350 points
C
Grades are based on: “A” grades will be determined on the quality of projects plus test
scores. Completion of all projects does not guarantee an “A” grade.
Assignment
15 ANGEL assignments; 20 points each
Book Report
Final Exam
Total Points
Due Date
Points
300 points
50 points
50 points
400 points
Academic Honesty
You are expected to do and submit your work and not that of others. Please refer to the
University’s catalog for the policy on academic dishonesty.
Respect for the Academic Process
The rights and responsibilities that accompany academic freedom are at the heart of the
intellectual purposes of the University. Our conduct as community members should
protect and promote the University’s pursuit of its academic mission. We are all,
therefore, expected to conduct ourselves with integrity in our learning, teaching and
research, and in ways in which we support those endeavors.