Teacher Education Program

EDU 222  Introduction to Special Education

Overview of the exceptional learner, one who differs from the average or typical student, with emphasis on factors relating to current practices, identification, characteristics, and educational adaptations. Issues related to mildly disabled, severely disabled, emotionally and behaviorally disordered, mentally retarded, and gifted students.  

  • Trace the history of society's treatment of the exceptional learner, including the implications of current legislation.

  • Identify early intervention priorities and programs for the exceptional learner.

  • Describe the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and other parent, family, and social support systems.

  • Describe the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) and other parent, family, and social support systems. 

  • Describe educational adaptations for the exceptional learner.

  • Describe educational considerations for children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and those with emotional and behavior disorders.

  • Identify and explain factors to consider in defining and diagnosing learning disabilities.

  • Compare and contrast language and speech disorders.

  • Analyze the controversy over the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices for children with language and speech disorders and for children with hearing or visual impairments.

  • Compare neurological impairment, musculoskeletal condition, congenital malformation, and other physical disabilities and health problems.

  • Describe characteristics of children with multiple severe disabilities.

  • Describe qualities and characteristics of gifted learners.

  • Explain the Arizona State Board of Education Professional Teaching Standards that relate to the exceptional learner.

 Topics covered to meet outcomes

I. Educational Definition of Exceptional Children and Youth
A. Prevalence and trends in legislation and litigation
 1. PL94-142
 2. IDEA
B. Philosophical roots: deinstitutionalization
C. Early intervention
D. Mainstreaming
E. Inclusion (full and partial)
F. Transition to independent living
II. Parents and Families of Children with Exceptionalities
A. Effects on the parents and family
B. Individual Education Plan (IEP)
C. Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP)
D. Social support systems
III. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Causes and assessment
C. Educational consideration
IV. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Causes and assessment
C. Educational considerations
V. Learning Disabilities
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Causes and Assessment
C. Educational considerations
VI. Communication Disorders
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Language and speech: causes and assessment
C. Educational considerations
D. Assistive technology
E. Augmentative communication devices
VII. Hearing Impairment
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Causes and assessment
C. Educational considerations
D. Assistive technology
VIII. Visual Impairment
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Causes and assessment
C. Educational considerations
D. Assistive technology
IX. Physical Impairments
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Neurological, musculoskeletal, congenital, accidental causes
C. Educational considerations
D. Classroom adaptations and ancillary equipment
X. Multiple Severe Disabilities
A. Physical, psychological and behavioral
B. Autism
C. Pervasive developmental disorders
D. Other multiple and severe disabilities
E. Causes and assessment
F. Educational considerations
XI. Giftedness
A. Psychological and behavioral characteristics
B. Attitudes toward the gifted
C. Educational considerations
D. Classroom placements
XII. Arizona State Board of Education Professional Teaching Standards