Course Description & Content

The course provides a forum for discussion of information critical to an understanding of all areas in Special Education. It aims to examine the body of contemporary literature for each of the areas of SPED and strive to develop in the students an solid base knowledge of the developmental and learning characteristics of exceptional children and services available for them to enable them to reach their maximum potential. Some current trends and issues in SPED will be discussed and research studies on specific topics will be used to enhance understanding of the subject matter and develop them to become competent and socially responsible teachers to both global and local communities.

General Objectives:

1. Acquire adequate knowledge about exceptional learners adn their education and a healthy
attitude toward the work of special educators and the individuals whom they are to serve.
2. Use these knowledge and attitudes in such away that they are relevant to current trends in
the education of children with special needs in the country.
3. Develop an ever more sensitive understanding of exceptional learners and their needs.
4. Be constantly challenged to learn more theory, research and proactices in SPED.
5. Advocate for the welfare of persons with disabilities and get actively involved in activitiies
within the school and in the community that give these persons opportunities to excercise
their rights and live a happier and fuller life like any body else.
6. Acquire heightened awareness of ones social responsibility toward the least of one's brothers
and do advocacy

Course Content:

Unit One:
A. Introduction
a. USC MIssion Vision
b. Special Education
c. Terminologies
B. Historical Background
a. People and Their Ideas
b. Growth of the Discipline
c. Landmark and Legislation
d. Philosophy and Goal
e. Current Trends in Sped
Unit Two:
A. Categories of Exceptionality
a. INtellectual differences
b. Sensory impairments
c. Physical and health impairments
d. Communications disorders
e. behavioral disorders
f. At risks
B. Educational Considerations
a. Nature and Characteristics
b. Causes and Etiolgy
c. Identification and Classification
d. Educational Services