SPED 4320.60 Legal Roles and Responsibilities of the Special Educator Spring 2012

SPED 4320.60
Legal Roles and Responsibilities of the Special Educator
Spring 2012
School of Education Course Syllabus
The University of Texas at Brownsville
Instructor:
John Blackburn
Phone: 542-5519
e-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: By Appointment
Place:
LHSB 2.312
Time:
Thursday 7:15-10:00 P.M.
Required Text:
Bryant, D., Smith, D., & Bryant, B. (2008). Teaching Students
with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms (1st ed.). Allyn &
Bacon
Course Description
This course examines legal and ethical issues of special education. Roles and
responsibilities of special educators, administrators, and related support personnel
are discussed in addition to the relationship between assessment and instructional
planning for students at different levels (EC-12). An emphasis is placed on
collaboration during key transition periods.
Course Objectives and Student Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students will be expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
describe legislation and litigation pertinent to students with disabilities;
discuss the definitions of all 13 disability categories described in IDEA;
describe IEPs and, given student information, write IEPs;
demonstrate an understanding of the ARD/IEP committee process and the issues
involved in conducting successful ARD/IEP committee meetings;
5. demonstrate an understanding of student characteristics, cultural diversity,
individual differences, and learning styles;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the least restrictive environment (LRE) and
the inclusion movement;
7. demonstrate an understanding of the process used for identifying and
instructing students with disabilities from pre-referral to special education
intervention;
8. demonstrate a knowledge of specialized instructional approaches and materials
in the basic academic skills and vocational training used with students with
disabilities;
9. demonstrate an understanding of consultative procedures and processes used
with parents, school personnel, and other support personnel;
10. demonstrate an understanding of accommodations and modifications designed
to meet the needs of students with special needs;
11. identify various instructional arrangements for students with disabilities; and
12. demonstrate an understanding of the transition concept, functional skills,
career/vocational education, and related social skills.
Course Structure
The course will be a mixture of lecture and discussion. As we create a learning
community, all students will be asked to share their knowledge and expertise.
Students are expected to read assignments prior to class. Lecture, video, small
group interaction, and whole group discussion will be utilized throughout the
course.
Ethical Concerns
1. Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with in accordance with university policy.
2. Professional standards of behavior are expected at all times. Confidentiality of
students and colleagues should be maintained.
Attendance and Participation Policy
1.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class and to be punctual. Missing
more than 1 class will affect your final course grade. Beginning with the 3rd
absence, final grades will be docked 10 points per full class absence. Students
missing more than 20 minutes for a class will be considered absent for at least ½
of a class. Two ½-class absences will equal one full class absence. If you miss
more than 4 full class periods, you may be dropped from the course. If you
know you will be absent or substantially late for a class, please notify me ahead
of time. It is acceptable to leave a phone or e-mail message. Students missing
class time will be responsible for obtaining the missed information.
2. Student Participation: Students are expected to complete all assignments and to
participate in class discussions. Students who do not participate regularly in
class should not expect a grade of A.
3. Reading Assignments: Students are responsible for all assigned readings.
Students’ understanding of these readings will be assessed on exams and in class
discussions.
Graded Requirements
1. Exams: Three exams will be given to assess students’ understanding of course
content. The exams will consist of both multiple choice, matching, short answer
and essay questions.
2. IEP/Mock ARD: Given information about a student with disabilities, students
are expected to write IEPs. In addition, all students will participate in a mock
ARD committee meeting. IEPs will be due the day of your Mock ARDs. Details
about this assignment will be forthcoming.
3. Internet Activity: Each student will submit a chapter outlines on each chapter
listed in the text book assigned to this class (13). Each Chapter Outline will be
submitted to: [email protected] no later than the start of class for each
assigned chapter as listed in the syllabus. All Chapter Outlines will have the
necessary notations as required to be part of each student’s special education
portfolio. Any late submittals will result in reduced credit based on the level of
lateness beginning with ½ credit for the first day and additional reductions as
determined by your professor.
4. Class participation along with all outside observation logs are very important
part of your semester grade and should be given a priority. See additional
attachments listed.
5. All work submitted for a grade is to be typed, corrected of errors, and in a font
no smaller than a 12 and no larger than a 14 unless agree to by the Professor.
Grade Distribution for Assignments
Grading Scale
3 Exams
66%
100-90 = A
IEP/Mock ARD
11%
89-80 = B
Class Participation/Observations
10%
79-70 = C
Chapter Outlines
13%
69-60 = D
59-50 = F
Late Submission Policy and Make-up Exams
Except in extreme circumstances, all assignments must be turned in on or before the
due date to receive full credit. Except in extreme circumstances, late assignments
will be docked 10% for each week they are late. Make-up exams will be
administered only in extreme circumstances, and reasons for missing an exam
should be documented. Students should contact me in advance of missing an exam,
if at all possible. Mock ARDs can not be made-up, therefore, attendance is
mandatory that night. All assignments must be typed and correct grammar.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities who require accommodations should let me
know about your needs as soon as possible. You may also wish to consult with the
Director of Student Services in Tandy Hall to inquire about assistance in this and
other classes.
Observing Copyright Law
Unauthorized photocopying of copyrighted works, including musical works, may be
unlawful and may infringe the copyright of the copyright owner. Students in
possession of unauthorized duplications of copyrighted material are subject to
appropriate disciplinary action as well as those civil remedies and criminal penalties
provided by federal law.
Syllabus Disclaimer
While the provisions of this syllabus are as accurate and complete as possible, the
instructor reserves the right to change any provision herein, not covered by
UTB/TSC HOOP or UT Regents Rules, with notice if circumstances so warrant.
Every effort will be made to keep students advised of such changes and information
about such changes will be available at all times from the instructor. It is the
responsibility of each student to know what changes, if any, have been made to the
provisions for this syllabus and to successfully complete the requirements of this
course. Questions regarding information on the syllabus and course requirements
need to be addressed by students when the syllabus is received.
Calendar
Dates
Topics
Readings
Jan 19
Introduction to the course
Chapter 1 BSB
Jan 26
Inclusive Teaching as Responsive Education
Chapter 1 BSB
Feb 2
Understanding Learners with Special Needs: High Incidence
Disabilities or Conditions
Chapter 2 BSB
Feb 9
Understanding Learners with Special Needs: Low Incidence
Disabilities or Conditions
Chapter 3 BSB
Feb 16
Other Students with Special Learning Needs
Chapter 4 BSB
Delivery of Special Services Through Individual Plans
Chapter 5 BSB
Feb 23
Exam #1
Chapters 1-5 BSB
and handouts
Mar 1
Differentiating Instruction to Promote Access to Curriculum &
Assessing Students with Special Needs & Assessing Students
with Special Needs
Chapters 6 & 7 BSB
Mar 8
Developing Collaborative Partnerships & Promoting Positive
Behavior and Facilitating Social Skills
Chapters 8 & 9 BSB
Mar 23
Exam #2
Chapters 6- 9 BSB and
handouts
Mar 29
Teaching Reading,
Chapter 10 BSB
April 5
Teaching Writing, Teaching
April 12
Mathematics & facilitating Content Area Instruction and Study
Skills
Chapter 11 BSB
April 19
I.E.P-Mock A.R.D.s
April 26
I.E.P-Mock A.R.D. s
May 3
Due: Final Written IEP’s From Mock A.R.D.s Review for Final
May 10
EXAM 3 8:00-10:30
Bryant, Smith, & Bryant = BSB
Chapters 12 & 13 BSB
SYLLABUS ADDENDUM
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
UTB/TSC monitors academic progress every fall and spring semester to identify
those students who are experiencing difficulty with their courses. Satisfactory
Academic Progress (SAP) is based upon two components: GPA of 2.0 or
higher and successful course completion of at least 70% of course work
attempted. Students remain in good standing with the university and Financial
Aid when both criteria are met. Students who do not maintain these required
minimum standards will be placed on probation or suspension as appropriate.
The complete Satisfactory Academic Progress policy and the Undergraduate
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid policy can be found in the
current Undergraduate Catalog. For more information, please visit
http://blue.utb.edu/vpaa/sap/.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Students who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the
University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating,
plagiarism, collusion, submission for credit of any work or materials that are
attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for
another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student, or the
attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual,
all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty
will be strictly enforced. (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations)
All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students. Do
not allow your peers to pressure you to cheat. Your grade, academic standing
and personal reputation are at stake.
STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are expected to be diligent in their studies and attend class regularly
and on time. Students are responsible for all class work and assignments. On
recommendation of the instructor concerned and with the approval of the Dean,
students may, at any time, be dropped from courses. This may result in a “W” or
“F” on the student’s permanent record.
EMERGENCY POLICY STATEMENT
In compliance with the Emergency UTB/TSC Academic Continuity Program,
academic courses, partially or entirely, will be made available on the MyUTBTSC
Blackboard course management system. This allows faculty members and
students to continue their teaching and learning via MyUTBTSC Blackboard
http://myutbtsc.blackboard.com, in case the university shuts down as a result
of a hurricane or any other natural disaster.
The university will use MyUTBTSC Blackboard to post announcements notifying
faculty members and students of their responsibilities as a hurricane approaches
our region. If the university is forced to shut down, faculty will notify their
course(s). To receive credit for a course, it is the student’s responsibility to
complete all the requirements for that course. Failure to access course materials
once reasonably possible can result in a reduction of your overall grade in the
class.
To facilitate the completion of class, most or all of the communication between
students and the institution, the instructor, and fellow classmates will take place
using the features in your MyUTBTSC Blackboard and UTB email system.
Therefore, all students must use Scorpion Online to provide a current email
address. Students may update their email address by following the link titled
“Validate your e-Mail Account” in MyUTBTSC Blackboard Portal. In the event of
a disaster, that disrupts normal operations, all students and faculty must make
every effort to access an internet-enabled computer as often as possible to
continue the learning process.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who wish to request
accommodations in this class should notify the Disability Services Office early in
the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance
with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide
documentation of his/her disability to the Disability Services counselor. For more
information, visit Disability Services in the Lightner Center, call 956-882-7374 or
e-mail [email protected].