DEPARTMENT OF TEACHING and LEADERSHIP
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
Spring 2012
Partnerships with Families of Exceptional Children
Course Number:
Credit Hours:
Instructor:
Course Time Schedule:
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Office Phone:
SPED 849
3
Victoria White, Ph.D.
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on selected Thursdays
Class Meetings: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 29, April 26
Room 211, Kansas City Metro Center
KC Metro Center
Monday-Friday, 1-4:30pm
vwhite@pittstate.edu
(913) 529-4487
Course Description
SPED 849 is a graduate course designed to provide the student with theory, general principles,
knowledge and skills necessary to implement family-guided intervention approaches for professionals
working with exceptional children and youth. The emphasis is on relating these skills to the realities of
practice in schools and the classroom. Family-guided intervention suggests families are able to
determine their child’s and family’s strengths, needs, important outcomes and necessary services by
using information, support and resources provided by a variety of professionals.
Program Objectives
This course is aligned with the following KSDE Adaptive Special Education Teaching Standards, with
primary focus on those standards listed in red type.
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KSDE SPECIAL EDUCATION STANDARDS
The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates an understanding of
1philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of education and special education.
2 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates an understanding of
learners’ diversity and provides support for students’ cognitive, physical, social, emotional and
career development.
3 The teacher of students with adaptive special education needs demonstrates assessment,
diagnosis, and evaluation knowledge and skills.
4 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates knowledge and skill in
planning and implementing effective instruction based upon knowledge of the subject matter,
student, community, and curriculum goals.
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.
.
.
5 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs promotes learning by providing planned,
orderly, supportive environments that encourage participation of individuals with adaptive learning
needs.
6 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates knowledge and skill in
managing behavior, facilitating problem solving, developing social skills, and promotion selfadvocacy of students with adaptive/functional learning needs.
7 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates effective communication
and collaboration skills and knowledge related to individuals with adaptive learning needs.
8 The teacher of students with adaptive learning needs demonstrates professionalism and ethical
knowledge and skills related to students with adaptive/functional learning needs.
Course Objectives
This course prepares students to work with families in many settings: infant-toddler, preschool,
elementary, and secondary. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe key components of family systems theory and how it fits with a family-focused
approach to collaboration
2. Explore his/her own beliefs about families, school personnel and students who come from
cultures different from his/her own and how these beliefs impact his/her practice
3. Examine factors that promote effective communication and collaboration with individuals,
parents, and school and community personnel in a culturally responsive program
4. Examine the roles of individuals with disabilities, parents, teachers, and other school and
community personnel in planning and implementing an individualized program and including
transition planning
5. Describe ethical practices for confidential communication to others about individuals with
disabilities
6. Explore development of individual students’ programs working in collaboration with team
members
7. Locate and describe community resources available for individuals and families of individuals
with exceptionalities
8. Demonstrate the skills which foster respectful and beneficial relationships between families and
professionals
Course Content
SPED 849 is designed around four major components. The components include:
1. A discussion of family system and its application to the families of students with
exceptionalities. The four major perspectives of family systems theory include family
characteristics, interactions, functions, and life cycle. This includes multicultural factors.
2. Providing the learner with historical and organizational foundations related to family roles
and school reform - IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and NCLB (No Child
Left Behind). This can lead to opportunities to form family – professional partnerships
throughout the life cycles: from infancy through childhood and school years and into
adulthood.
3. Identifying how to implement the seven partnership principles when collaborating with
families and other professionals. Partnership principles include: communication,
professional competence, respect, commitment, equality, advocacy and the “keystone” of
partnership, trust.
4. Utilizing the seven partnership principles to enhance family – professional partnerships in
both the student evaluation and development of the IFSP and IEP, and for these
partnerships to ultimately promote student learning, and development, and to achieve
positive student and family outcomes.
This is accomplished by focusing on:
1. Understanding history of parental roles in exceptionality,
2. Examining parameters affecting life of all families, including multicultural factors,
3. Applying knowledge of family-systems approach to understanding and meeting the
challenges of exceptionality.
This is further accomplished by focusing on the following knowledge base components affecting
professional education:
4. Gaining concepts and proficiency in attaining family-professional communication skills
and strategies
5. Further refining knowledge of the dominant legal framework within which families and
professionals must work,
6. Gaining information and skill in family support strategies and relationships, especially
those issues involving multicultural perspectives.
Course Textbook and Materials
Turnbull, A.P., Turnbull, H. R., Erwin, E. and Soodak, L. (2006). Families, Professionals, and
Exceptionality: Positive Outcomes through Partnerships and Trust (5th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall Publishers
KSDE Special Education Process Handbook. http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3152
On-line articles assigned throughout the semester and professional journals accessed through
the PSU Axe Library database. http://library.pittstate.edu/
Teaching Strategies
This course is delivered through a hybrid method, and so a portion of the student contact time will
be online, utilizing ANGEL. Face to face meetings will be on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 29, and April 26.
The instructional format of this course will be a combination of group sessions, guest speakers,
student presentations, handouts, on-line discussions, role-plays, and readings.
Course Requirements
A. Reading Requirements/Class Participation:
The student is to be prepared each day of class by using the assigned readings. Each student
will be required to complete individual and group assignments as outlined in the schedule of
class topics and readings. Points will be awarded for class participation based upon the reading
or participation in assigned discussion boards on ANGEL.
B. Class Discussion Boards
These assignments ask you to reflect on course content and discussions as they relate to
your own family experience and how that may impact your work with families of children with
exceptionalities. Most weeks of the semester there will be one or more reflection questions
posted on the Discussion Board, and you are to respond to them. Your reflections will count as
Class Participation points.
C. Projects:
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Service Project
Action Plan
Assignment 3
Assignment 4
Parent Interview
Parent Handbook (will include service projects)
Written Communication Skills
All written assignments are to be prepared on a computer or typewriter. Typos, misspellings, and
grammar errors will result in a lower grade. APA (5th ed.) format is to be used when preparing and
citing materials. Avoid language that is sexist, culturally biased, reinforcing of stereotypes, or offensive
to persons with disabilities. Person-first language should always be used.
Course Evaluation
Assignment
Class Participation points
Service Project
Action Plan
Parent Interview
Parent Handbook
Total
Points
75 points
50 points
75 points
75 points
100 points
375 points
Due Date
Ongoing/discussion bds
Feb. 9
March 29
March 8
April 26
The above course evaluation will be converted into percentages based upon the following scale:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
Assignments are to be submitted through ANGEL; feedback and grades are also posted using the
ANGEL system. Assignments must be received by the due date and time.
TEN PERCENT (10%) OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT WILL BE DEDUCTED
FROM THE POINTS EARNED ON AN ASSIGNMENT FOR EACH DAY, INCLUDING WEEKENDS, IF IT IS PAST
DUE. (IN SHORT…10% off for each day the assignment is late.)
If a student must be absent from class on the day that an assignment is due, it is the student’s
obligation to make certain the assignment is submitted through ANGEL on the due date. Similarly, if a
student must be absent from class on the day of an assessment, it is imperative that the student make
arrangements to take the assessment before the established date. Late assignments will be accepted
only if previous arrangements are made with the instructor via e-mail prior to the due date. The
instructor reserves discretion regarding late assignment grades.
Incompletes are discouraged. Students who do request an Incomplete cannot be eligible
for an A as a final grade. Taking an Incomplete will also require the student to submit a plan of
completion.
Attendance
Eighty percent of success is showing up.
-- Woody Allen
Professional reliability is one of the outcomes of the teacher education program. This course is a
combination of on-line and on-site class sessions. When class meetings are on-site, attendance is
mandatory, however, if you miss more than 10% of class meetings your grade will be reduced based
upon the percentage of classes missed. An absence occurs when one does not attend class due to the
following: work related activities, illness, coaching, vacation, family matters or any other reason. You
will be expected to make arrangements to complete assignments for missed classes.
Candidate Intervention Plan policy
A Candidate Intervention Plan (CIP) is a process to work with candidates that are enrolled who lack
the background, motivation, or professionalism required of a special educator. At the faculty member’s
or advisor’s discretion a written plan (CIP) will be developed that outlines the steps that must be taken.
If the plan is not followed or if compliance is inadequate, the candidate may be asked to leave the
special education program.
Americans with Disabilities Act Policy
It is the policy of Pittsburg State University to make reasonable accommodations for qualified
students with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student with
disabilities needs accommodations, the student must notify the instructor. All information will be kept
confidential.
Electronic Devices and Other Distractions
All students, guest speakers, and the instructor have the right to receive or present instruction
without distraction. Cell phones must be turned off or set on vibrate and should not be visible.
Courtesy is to be exercised when material (whether by instructor, student, guest, or video) is being
presented.
Inclement Weather
On rare occasions due to inclement weather, class may be cancelled. The KC Metro Center (913529-4487) will make every effort to contact you to let you know that your class has been canceled. You
should also check Gus Mail and the announcement section on the Angel site for the course.
Respect for the Academic Process – Academic Dishonesty
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.
Please refer to the catalog for the university policy on academic dishonesty. You are expected to do and
submit your work and not that of others.
Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times. Violations will be handled as
indicated in the written policy. Academic dishonesty by a student is defined as unethical activity
associated with course work or grades. It includes, but not limited to:
(a) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations,
(b) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the preparation of notebooks, themes, reports,
paper or any other assignments,
(c) Submitting the same work for more than once course without the instructor’s
permission, and,
(d) Plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using ideas or writings of another and claiming them
as one’s own. Copying any material directly (be it the work of other students, professors, or
colleagues) or copying information from print or electronic sources (including the internet)
without explicitly acknowledging the true source of the material is plagiarism, students should
follow the citation directions provided by the instructor and/or department in which the class is
offered.
Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, exams, quizzes, and out-of-class assignments are meant
to be individual, rather than group, work. Hence, copying from other students’ quizzes or exams, as well
as presenting as one’s own work an assignment prepared wholly or in part by another is in violation of
academic honesty.
The above guidelines do not preclude group study for exams, sharing of sources for research
projects, or students discussing their ideas with other members of the class unless explicitly prohibited
by the instructor.
Since the violation of academic honesty strikes at the heart of the educational process, it is subject
to the severest sanctions, up to and including receiving an “F” or “XF” (an “XF” indicates the “F” was the
result of academic dishonesty) for the entire class and dismissal from the university.
When an instructor has a reasonable good faith belief that a student(s) has committed academic
misconduct, that instructor has the sole discretion to give the student as F on the assignment/test to
which the student committed academic misconduct or an F for the entire course. If such an F negatively
affects the student’s final grade in the course, that student(s) may appeal the final grade pursuant to the
current Pittsburg State University Catalog’s Grade Appeal process.
When the instructor wishes to impose an “XF”, and/or more severe sanctions, he or she must first
notify their department chair, dean, and University’s Academic Honesty Committee Chairperson in
writing. In addition, the same procedure applies if similar sanctions seem warranted for a student(s) or
former student(s) who have assisted in a serious act of academic dishonesty.
Pittsburg State University
Syllabus Supplement – Spring 2012
IMPORTANT DATES
1/17 ......................................................................................... Classes begin
1/24 ............................................................................................. Tuition due
1/24……………………………… Last day for full tuition refund if withdrawing
1/24 …………………… Last day to add classes w/o permission of instructor
1/30………………………………... .... Final day to drop w/o transcript
notation
2/20 ..................................................... Last day for half refund if withdrawing
3/12………………………….Mid-term D and F grades available after 5:00 pm
3/19- 3/23 ..................................................................................Spring Break
4/9 ............... Final day to drop a course unless withdrawing from all classes
4/26…………………………………….…Last day to withdraw from all classes
5/7 .......................................................................... Finals week through 5/11
5/11 & 5/12 .......................................................................... Commencement
5/11………………… Deadline to remove IN grades for 2011 fall semester
5/14 ........................................................................ Grades due from faculty
DROPPING A COURSE OR WITHDRAWING FOR THE
SEMESTER
Beginning the 12th week through the 16th week of full-term courses, individual
courses cannot be dropped.
A student who does not officially withdraw from a course or from the
university will be assigned an “F” grade in the course or courses concerned.
These “F” grades will be included in the computation of the grade point
average.
The dates for dropping courses that run fewer than sixteen weeks are
proportionate to the length of the course (e.g. the last day to drop an eight week
course would be the end of the sixth week). Consult your instructor or the
Registrar’s Office for questions about a specific course. For students who wish to
withdraw from all classes after the 12th week of the term, the instructor must
assign a grade of W or F.
To drop a course after the 5th day of class or for clarification on drop/add
policies, contact the Registrar’s Office, 103 Russ Hall, 620-235-4200 or
registrar@pittstate.edu
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Office of Student Financial Assistance is required to recalculate
financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, stop attending or are
dismissed prior to completing 60 percent of a semester. This calculation
applies to students receiving Title IV funds including:
Federal Pell Grant
Stafford Loan
ACG – Academic Competitiveness Grant
SMART Grant for math and science
TEACH Grant for education majors
Parent PLUS Loan
Federal financial aid is returned to the federal government based on the
percent of unearned aid disbursed toward institutional charges for tuition,
fees, and on-campus room and board. Students may be required to repay a
portion of the aid funds received.
When aid is returned, the student may owe a debit balance to the University
and/or Department of Education Title IV Programs.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
International students studying on F or J visas must be in proper
immigration status and are required to always be in full time enrollment
(minimum 12 hours undergraduate. or 9 hours graduate). For additional
information http://www.pittstate.edu/office/international/internationalstudents/immigration.dot
Students at Pittsburg State University are expected to attend class regularly
and participate fully in class activities. It is the responsibility of the course
instructor to set the attendance policy for his or her courses and
communicate that policy to students in the course syllabus. The syllabus
should address whether and how attendance affects the course grade, the
issue of excused absences, and whether students will be dropped for
nonattendance or excessive absence.
Students who have not attended or who have been excessively absent from
a class may be dropped from the course by the instructor. In such
instances, this policy must be clearly stated in the syllabus and uniformly
enforced. Students may be dropped at anytime in the semester based on
course policy. Instructor drops after the beginning of the 12th week of a full
semester class will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Regardless of the faculty prerogative to drop a student for nonattendance or
excessive absence, the ultimate responsibility for monitoring and
maintaining up-to-date course enrollment rests with the student.
SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION
If forecasts or weather conditions suggest that travel in the area could
become hazardous a policy is in place to determine if classes or other
University activities will be cancelled. This policy and notification process
can be found at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/president/policies/severeweather-emergency-plan.dot Notification methods typically include the PSU
website, local news media, and text messaging for those who subscribe to
this service.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Academic dishonesty by a student is defined as unethical activity
associated with course work or grades.
It includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations.
(b) Giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the preparation of notebooks,
themes, reports, papers or any other assignments.
(c) Submitting the same work for more than one course without the
instructor’s permission, and,
(d) Plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using ideas or writings of another
and claiming them as one’s own. Copying any material directly (be it the
work of other students, professors, or colleagues) or copying information
from print or electronic sources (including the internet) without explicitly
acknowledging the true source of the material is plagiarism. Plagiarism also
includes paraphrasing other individuals’ ideas or concepts without
acknowledging their work, or contribution. To avoid charges of plagiarism,
students should follow the citation directions provided by the instructor
and/or department in which the class is offered.
The above guidelines do not preclude group study for exams, sharing of
sources for research projects, or students discussing their ideas with other
members of the class unless explicitly prohibited by the instructor.
Since the violation of academic honesty strikes at the heart of the education
process, it is subject to the severest sanctions, up to and including receiving
an “F” or “XF” (an “XF” indicates that “F” was the result of academic
dishonest) for the entire class and dismissal from the university.
For a full copy of this policy see:
http://catalog.pittstate.edu/contentm/blueprints/blueprint_display.php?bp_list
ing_id=162&blueprint_id=124&sid=1&menu_id=7980
MID-TERM GRADES
After the eighth week of the fall and spring semester, mid-semester “D” and
“F” grades submitted by faculty are reported by the Office of the Registrar to
the dean of the college in which you are majoring. All “D” and “F” grades
submitted by faculty will be reported by the Registrar to you and your
academic advisor through the on-line student information system (GUS). No
mid-semester report of “D” and “F” grades are distributed for the summer
session.
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
INCOMPLETE GRADES
Incomplete grade may be assigned in rare instances when a student is
unable to complete a course due to circumstances beyond his/her control.
You must have completed a majority of the coursework to be eligible for this
consideration. Unless granted an extension by the instructor, students have
only one semester to complete the work.
If you feel like you qualify for an Incomplete grade, you should visit with your
instructor and not assume an IN grade will be assigned automatically.
FINAL GRADE REPORTS
Final grades are reported to the Registrar’s Office at the conclusion of the course. You may access your grades in GUS immediately
upon grade posting.
GRADE APPEALS
Final course grades are to be awarded upon criteria communicated to the student at the beginning of the semester. Additional work
after a final grade was submitted cannot be used to change the grade.
If you believe that an error has been made in the assignment or recording of a final grade, you should first confer with the instructor.
If such a conference does not resolve the problem, a grade appeal form must be submitted to the head of the academic department
that offers the course in question. This appeal form must be submitted no later than six weeks after the beginning of the fall or spring
semester immediately following the semester in which the grade being appealed was received.
The appeal form is available online on the Registrar’s Office and Graduate School’s webpage under forms.
DEAD WEEK POLICY
No tests or major assignments will be presented during the week prior to final examination week, unless identified in the course
syllabus presented at the start of the semester.
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Final examinations will be given according to the schedule of examinations available at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/finalexam-schedule.dot
FINAL EXAM OVERLOAD POLICY
If you have three or more final exams officially scheduled for a single day you are entitled to arrange with the faculty member
instructing the highest numbered course (the 3 digit number following the department code) a different day for the exam. If two
courses have the same number, the course with the lower enrollment would be rescheduled.
Students requesting accommodation should submit their request on the form found at
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/registrar/forms.dot along with a copy of their class schedule, at least two weeks prior to the beginning
of final exam week. The faculty member has until the Monday of pre-finals week to arrange a mutually convenient time for
administration of the final exam. If the matter cannot be resolved between student and faculty member, you may take the request to
the Office of the Provost, 220 Russ Hall, no later than the Wednesday of dead week.
WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE
Pittsburg State administration, faculty, and staff are here to assist you in your academic success. If you have questions or concerns
that affect your academic success, it is important that we hear from you.
Your Instructor
Faculty members usually include their office hours and contact information in the class syllabus. If not, set a time to meet with your
instructor by speaking with him/her prior to or immediately following your class session or check with the departmental office for
instructor availability.
Writing Assistance
The Writing Center offers free writing consultations for students at any stage of the writing process for any writing project. Writing
Center consultants are experienced writers who are committed to helping you achieve your writing goals.
Dr. Don Judd and Dr. Janet Zepernick, Directors, Writing Center Telephone: 620-235-4694
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/writing_center/
Library
The Axe Library provides comprehensive services and materials including both physical and online books, periodicals, and
interlibrary loan. Also available to students are a computer lab, with color printing, scanning and faxing capabilities. Spring semester
operating hours are:
Telephone: 620-235-4880
http://axe.pittstate.edu/
Tutoring
Tutoring programs related to general education classes are available. Whether you are studying for a test, writing a paper or
preparing a presentation, tutors can help you sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. If you are struggling with a class,
then a tutor can help you get back on track. Use tutoring to get better grades!
Rebecca Roach, Student Success Counselor, Student Success Center Telephone: 620-235-4951
E-mail: AskRebecca@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/exploratory-studies/tutoring.dot.
Computer/Technology Assistance
Gorilla Geeks Help Desk is responsible for assisting students with various technology needs. Services available include help with
GUS and GusPINs, PSU email, assistance with campus system problems and support of the campus wireless network.
In addition the center will help you with technology needs that are essential for academic success. Services include assistance with
educational software packages used on campus including Microsoft OS, Office applications, basic ANGEL support and other
campus applications; help with computer hardware or software problems; wireless connectivity; and configuring new computers.
Gorilla Geeks Help Desk Telephone: 620-235-4600
E-mail: Geeks@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/gorilla-geeks/
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
Allison Adams, Coordinator, Center for Student Accommodations Telephone: 620-235-6584
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/center-for-student-accommodations.dot
Services for Students with Physical Disabilities
Cindy Johnson, Director, Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Telephone: 620-235-4189
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/eoaa/
Student Health Center
Telephone: 620-235-4452
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/health/
University Counseling Services
Telephone: 620-235-4452
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/counseling/
General Questions
If you have questions about university policies or procedures, need assistance with academic success skills (such as note taking,
effective reading techniques, and test taking strategies), or have general questions about your academic progress, Enrollment
Management & Student Success can assist or refer you to the appropriate office.
Enrollment Management & Student Success Telephone: 620-235-4109
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMATION
Pittsburg State University is committed to a policy of educational equity. Accordingly, the University admits students, grants financial aid and scholarships, conducts all
educational programs, activities, and employment practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, ancestry or
disabilities. Students seeking assistance with academic programs because of physical limitations are to contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, Students with learning
disabilities should contact the Coordinator of the Center for Student Accommodations. If, hearing impaired call 1-800-766-3777 for assistance.