Department of Special Education

Eastern Michigan University

Master Syllabus

 

Course Number and Title:

SPCI  429G  Education of students in programs for mild cognitive impairment                                                                                                                       4 Semester Hours

 

Prerequisites:            SPCI 240, SPCI 350, and Admission to the teacher preparation program                                                                  

           

EMU Program Theme:  Inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society.

 

Catalog Description:

Students taking this course will develop their philosophies of education regarding inclusion and collaboration to promote the academic success of students with mild cognitive impairments in the general education classrooms.  Emphasis will be given to assessment strategies (both traditional and alternative), instructional methods and curriculum for students with mild cognitive impairments.  Additional emphasis will be given to writing IEP documents, lesson plans that include the Michigan Curriculum Framework, and evaluation of student learning.  Learning theories for students with mild cognitive disabilities will be analyzed.

 

Course Purpose:

Six major areas are emphasized in this course.

1.                  Hierarchy of educational delivery systems and related program development.

2.                  Applications of information gathered via formal and informal assessment procedures, focusing upon diverse student populations represented within classrooms.

3.                  Methods and materials for individualized and/or group educational programming for students with mild disabilities.

4.                  Expansion of classroom management methods and techniques to enhance the educational curriculum for students with mild disabilities within segregated programs, supportive settings and general education classrooms.

5.                  Roles, responsibilities, and strategies for developing effective working teams among general and special education teachers, students, and families.

6.                  Addressing the needs of the diverse student populations represented within the scope of educational settings serving special needs students.

 

Course Objectives (which will be met through class discussions and time spent in a classroom environment “field placement”:

Students will:

1.      Define and illustrate various educational delivery systems appropriate for students with mild cognitive impairment.  Discuss how NCLB and IDEIA 2004 effect these systems.

2.      Students will develop courses of action for varied learning problems through demonstration and usage of informal and formal methods of observation and assessment.  Define, discuss and demonstrate all types of assessment for students with mild cognitive impairments including (curriculum based, portfolio and MI/ACCESS, Michigan Alternative Assessment Program).

3.      Design a plan for organizing, managing, and scheduling an educational environment for an identified group of students.

4.      Evaluate and use commercial material based upon prescribed needs of children identifying sources for accessing curriculums, instructional materials, including recreation and leisure materials.  Attention will be addressed toward meeting multicultural needs of students receiving support.  Technological applications are also reviewed.

5.      Describe the application of varied behavioral management techniques for students with mild impairments.

6.      Write and teach a lesson to students with mild cognitive impairments.  Lesson must include current information from the Michigan Curriculum Framework.

7.      Identify factors to consider in selecting appropriate educational procedures, and related materials for students with multicultural and/or differentiated instruction needs.

8.      Organize data on a student in a format appropriate for future use with students in their own classrooms.

9.      Identify current educational research findings and cite their application to the special classroom or students within inclusion settings.

10. Role play a variety of collaboration scenarios in order to develop effective skills in communicating with students, ancillary staff, parents, etc. 

11. Develop skills in working with general education teachers in shared ownership situations, e.g. cooperative learning approaches, team teaching, co-teaching strategies.

 

Text:

Friend, M. & Bursuck, W.  (2006).  Including Students with Special Needs.  Boston:  Allyn & Bacon.

MI Climb CD-ROM is also required for this class.

 

Evaluation:

Teaching Assignment  (1)                                                    20% (of final grade)

Tools for Instruction (2)                                                         20% (of final grade)

Curriculum Project (3)                                                           30% (of final grade)

Final Exam (4)                                                                       20% (of final grade)

Participation                                                              10%  (of final grade)

 

What follows below is a brief overview of the assignments listed above.  You will receive more specific instructions and grading criteria about each assignment in class.  Please note that assignments will be evaluated on the quality and accuracy of content:  spelling, organization and clarity of thoughts presented are critical points.  Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are to be typed.  To complete these assignments, you will need to spend time in a setting that includes students with mild cognitive impairments.

 

  1. Teaching Assignment – In your chosen setting, select an activity that a student and the class or a small group needs to learn.  Assess the current skills level and then develop and teach a lesson. 
  2. Tools for Instruction – Put together a useful document outlining strategies on student grouping, scheduling, designing the classroom environment, classroom rules and procedures, etc.
  3. Curriculum Project – It is your turn to lecture!!  Teach us all you can about a specific curriculum approach being used with 1) elementary; 2) middle; and 3) high school students who are MILDLY cognitively impaired. 
  4. Final Exam – An open book, open note final given during the finals schedule.

 

Student Responsibility:        

 

            ***  Provide the instructor with an “my emich” e mail account.  Use this account when corresponding with the instructor.  Follow appropriate e mail etiquette.

            ***  Be able to retrieve class documents using the E-Reserve process at Halle Library

            ***  Academic dishonesty is not tolerated in any course at the University.  Please refer to the guidelines published at http://www.emich.edu/public/students/restored/Condcode.html

***You are asked to turn projects in on the due date.  Projects and/or papers turned in late will be penalized 5% per day for each day late. 

            ***Participate in class!!! You can participate in many ways, including respectful listening and contributions, record student work during small group projects, complete assignments by their due date and let the instructor know when you will be absent.  You should also know that if your grade falls between 2 grades at the final calculation, attendance will be considered in making final grade determinations.

 

 

Grading Scale:

 

A         100-95                                    C75-73

A-        94-90                          C-72-70

B+       89-86                          D+69-66

B         85-83                          D65-63

B-                82-80                          D-62-60

C+       79-76                          E< 59

 

 

 

F and J visa students, you have 10 days to report any:

         Changes in your name, residential address, academic status (full or part-time enrollment), program of study or completion date, student level (undergraduate to graduate) or funding source (employment or graduate assistant position).

 

         Intent to transfer to another university

 

         Probation or disciplinary action due to a criminal conviction

In accordance with new federal regulations, these must be reported to the EMU Office of International Students (OIS), 229 King Hall within 10 days of occurrence; failure to do so may result in arrest and deportation.  You may not drop or withdraw from a course without OIS approval.  If you have questions or concerns, contact the OIS at 487-3116, not your instructor.

 

Knowledge Base:  Bibliography

 

Bauer, A, & Shea, T. (1999). Inclusion 101: How to Teach All Learners. Baltimore, MD: Brooks.

 

Bourne, B.  (1999).  Taking Inquiry Outdoors: Reading, Writing, And Science Beyond the Classroom Walls.  Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.

 

Clayton, M.  (2001).  Classroom Spaces That Work.  Portland ME:  Stenhouse Publishers.

 

Denver, R. & Knapczyk, D.  (1997).  Teaching Persons with Mental Retardation.  Brown & Benchmark. Madison, WI.

 

Dettmer, P, Thurston, L & Dyck, N.  (2005).  Consultation, Collaboration, and Teamwork for Students with Special Needs.  Boston:  Allyn & Bacon

 

Dunquette, C.  (2001).  Students at Risk: Solutions to Classroom Challenges.  Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.

 

Forsten, C., Grant J., & Hollas, B.  (2003).  Differentiating Textbooks:  Strategies to Improve Student Comprehension and Motivation.  Portland ME:  Stenhouse Publishers.

 

Friend, M. and Cook L.  (2003).   Interactions: Collaboration Skills for School Professionals.   Allyn & Bacon

 

Haager, D. & Klingner, J.  (2005).  Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms: The Special Educator's Guide.  Boston:  Allyn & Bacon.

 

Jannery, R. & Snell, M.  (2000).  Behavioral Support.  Baltimore, MD: Brooks.

 

Jannery, R. & Snell, M.  (2000).  Modifying Schoolwork.  Baltimore, MD: Brooks.

 

Jannery, R. & Snell, M.  (2000).  Social Relationships and Peer Support.  Baltimore, MD: Brooks.

 

Kerr, R.  (1999).  Self-Discipline: Using Portfolios to Help Students Develop Self-Awareness, Manage Emotions, and Build Relationships. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.

 

Sayeski, K. & Cooper J.  (2003).  An Educator's Guide to Inclusion.  Boston:  Houghton Mifflin.