SPE 373 - Special Education Practicum: 
Critical Issues in Special Education

Spring 2007

Time:  T/H 11:00-11:50
Location:  ADM 116
Office:  ADM 257
Phone:  399-2606 (O)   391-6061 (H)
Email:  dacklie@csm.edu
Office Hours:  as posted or by appointment 

Schedule                                                                                      Discussion Board

DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE:

This is a required course for Special Education Majors.  Students observe and implement effective approaches for remediation, through supervised practicum experiences in self-contained classrooms, resources rooms or inclusive settings.  Critical issues in Special Education will be investigated, discussed and presented.  Topics could include such issues as roles of the Special Education Teacher, program design, assessment, legal issues, school reform, transition issues, inclusion, placement controversies, early intervention, family issues, teacher “burn-out”, discrimination based on disability, or outcome based education. Current research regarding each topic and appropriate remediation strategies will be discussed and presented. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Prerequisite: SPE 101.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of written assignments, periodic exams, opportunities for discussion and demonstration, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of instructional content and practice for learners with mild/moderate disabilities, and be able to apply the related concepts, principles and processes including:

a.     Explore curricula for development of motor, cognitive, academic, social, language, affective, career/vocational, and functional life skills. (006.60D. 1)

b.    Identify and use sources of specialized materials, equipment, and assistive devices. (006.60D. 5)

c.     Utilize approaches for creating positive learning environments. (006.60D. 6)

d.    Implement instruction techniques to promote successful maintenance and generalization of skills and to make successful transitions. (006.60D. 12)

e.    Use verbal and non-verbal instructional strategies and practices. (006.60D. 13)

f.     Utilize research-supported instructional strategies and practices. (006.60D. 14)

g.     Select, adapt, and use instructional strategies and materials according to characteristics of the learner. (006.60D. 18)

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Research articles on reserve at CSM Library and additional current articles presented in class from resources such as:

Council of Exceptional Children, web based research and professional journals.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

1.     Practicum:  (500 pts)

a.     Students will serve as a practicum aid in a selected site for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 36 contact hours.

b.    Students will complete a weekly journal entry and email to instructor each Friday.  Journal entries should be self reflective in nature including tasks completed at practicum site and number of hours to date. Journals should answer the following three questions:
 1. What did you do on site this week?
 2. How does this site to classroom learning at CSM?
 3. How will you apply this information to future practice?

c.     Students will complete a weekly log regarding their practicum experience.  Practicum logs are to be signed by practicum site teacher weekly.  A copy of the log will be due to instructor at the end of the semester.

d.    Site evaluation will be completed by Master teacher and student at the end of the experience. 

2.    Discussion Leader/Facilitator: (100 pts)

A weekly topic will be discussed.  The discussion leader will provide the materials one week in advance to allow others the opportunity to read the materials prior to class.  These materials can be handed out in class or linked to the class website.  The leader will design and lead the discussion based on materials presented.  Students will sign up for topic and date of discussion.  Each student is responsible for 2 weeks.

3.    Service Learning Outreach Project: (100 pts)

The class as a group or a set of several small groups will design a service outreach project. This project will include some type of service work with individuals with disabilities. This could include work with Special Olympics, or other service organization.  This project will be a minimum of 10 hours. A multi- media presentation will be given during finals week outlining the project and it’s outcome.

4.    Attendance and Participation: (100 pts)

Attendance and interaction in weekly discussions is mandatory. This is the text for this course.  If absent from the discussion a make up assignment is only good for a portion of the points per class.  The individual gone must interview 2 class participants and write a summary of the missed discussion.  This must be turned into the professor on the following Tuesday meeting time. Participation in oral discussions of assigned topics is necessary for learning.  Complete all weekly written assignments as assigned by discussion leaders or professor.

5.    Online discussion Board: (100 pts)

Participants will post weekly to the online discussion board. Topics for the discussion board will be selected by the professor. The purpose of this discussion board is to set up on ongoing dialogue outside of class. The dialog will include such discussions as: Response to Intervention, IDEA, Types of diagnostic/assessment materials present in practicum classrooms.

6.    Classroom design: (50 pts)

A virtual tour of the classroom will be presented by each student on their practicum site. Included will be general lay our of the classroom, features of classroom storage and uniqueness. 

7. Five blank game boards or activities which could be used in a resource room or tutoring situation.  These materials should be open ended and become part of your SPED curriculum file. (50 pts)

Grading Scale

A= 93%-100%    930-1000 pts

B= 84%-92%    840 –929 pts

C=71%-83%    701-839 pts

D= 70%-61%   700-610 pts

F=  60% or below  609 pts or below

EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND GRADES:

1.  Participation in class discussion and projects.  As expected, attendance is an important part of participation.  It will also be essential that reading assignments be completed in order to fully understand class lectures and discussions.  Absences and punctuality will be considered in assessing acquisition of knowledge, skills and values. Missing class can jeopardize your grade.  Each absence may lower your grade by 2%.  If you are absent three times from class, the instructor has the option to drop you from class or your grade will automatically be lowered by one letter grade.  Attendance at Practicum site is a must. You cannot just complete hours. Hours need to be completed as assigned by the instructor.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

2.    Written Assignments:  These assignments help to demonstrate your understanding of concepts presented in class. All late work will be docked 10%.  No work will be accepted if turned in later than 1 week of due date.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Academic Assistance:  CSM seeks to maintain a supportive academic environment for students with disabilities.  If you have a disability and need accommodations to succeed in this course, please contact me to verify that the required documentation is filed with the Academic Affairs Office and that an accommodation plan is in place.  Please remember that the law places the responsibility on you, the student, to notify the College of your disability and to request information.

If you have a certifiable learning or physical disability and require special accommodations, please call and make an appointment with Jennifer Yarns in the Achievement Center ADA office at 399-2366. Considerable lead-time is required for accommodations, so it is important that your request is received in the Achievement Center ADA office as early in the semester as possible. Please note: your request will be handled confidentially.

Academic Honesty:  All forms of dishonesty and misconduct including cheating, plagiarism, forgery, knowingly furnishing false information to the instructor, and intentional disruption or obstruction of learning or teaching will not be tolerated.  At the professors discretion these acts will result in a failing grade for the course and a letter regarding the behavior will be filed with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs offices.  All work should be your own and must represent new work prepared specifically for this class.

LAPTOP POLICY:

Laptop use in classrooms creates new and exciting possibilities for teachers and students when used appropriately.  Please use your laptop ethically and for educational purposes and activities permitted by the instructor.  Unacceptable uses include: instant messaging, e-mailing, unassigned Internet browsing, game-playing and completing homework for other classes.  Violations of this request will result in withdrawal of permission to use the laptop in this class and may affect your grade in the course.

QUALITY WORK:

Assessment of the quality of your written and oral expression will be included in the evaluation of your work.  All written work is to be typed, double spaced, and must include correct grammar, form, punctuation, and spelling.  All sources must be cited with complete bibliographic references.  (APA Format).  You will use technology skills to explore resources and make lessons plans, class presentations, and a web page. All written papers should be turned in electronically and in paper copy formats. Work maybe checked through Turn It In Software.

Assessment of the quality of your written and oral communication skills will be included in the evaluation of your work.  These two skills are professionally very important for teachers.  All written work is to be typed, double spaced, and must include correct grammar, form, punctuation and spelling.  All sources must be cited with complete bibliographic references. (See APA guide)  You will use technology skills in this class to explore resources and create activity plans, training, and for class presentations

Declaration of Open Discourse

In the spirit of intellectual inquiry, College of Saint Mary is committed to the exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.   In this environment, honest discourse is valued; demeaning remarks are not tolerated.  Each member of the campus community is encouraged to: