ESSE 400/500:
Foundations, Legal, and Ethical Aspects in General and Special Eduction

Course Description

This course provides an introduction and overview of the field of special education from the perspective that it is a subsection of general education; that the field is in transition by virtue of philosophical, as well as legislative and programmatic changes. Emphasis is on current trends and future directions of special, remedial, and public education. In addition, a critical analysis of research and legal aspects are addressed.

Purpose of Course

This course is designed to assist the development of professional special and general educators who are developing beginning skills in planning, developing, and assessing individualized programs for children and adults with disabilities. The course explores the legal aspects, characteristics, instructional needs, and accommodation necessary for creating appropriate educational and vocational environments for children and adults. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of general and special education.

Course Competencies

The objectives of this course are aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) professional standards. The following are the common core standards for teachers of students with special needs.

Students in this course will display written mastery of the following knowledge competencies:

Standard l – Foundations

1. Describe models, theories, and philosophies that form the basis for special education practice.
2. Describe laws, policies, and ethical principles regarding behavior management planning and implementation.
3. Describe the relationship between special education to the organization and function of educational agencies.
4. Describe the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, and other professionals, and schools related to exceptional learning needs.
5. Describe issues in definition and identification of individuals with exceptional learning needs, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
6. Describe issues, assurances, and due process rights related to assessment, eligibility, and placement within a continuum of services.
7. Describe historical points of view and contribution of culturally diverse groups.
8. Describe the impact of the dominant culture on shaping schools and the individuals who study and work in them.
9. Describe the potential impact of differences in values, languages, and customs that can exist between the home and school.
10. Describe the history and role of legislation and litigation in the education of students with disabilities.
11. Describe the general parameters of the Individuals with Disabilities
    Education Act (IDEA).
12. Describe the impact of special education and general education reforms on
    students with disabilities.

Standard 2 - Development and Characteristics of Learners

13. Describe similarities and differences between individuals with and without exceptional learning needs.
14. 14. Describe the effects of various medications on individuals with exceptional learning needs.
15. 15. Discuss classifications of students with special needs and the impact of special conditions on the individual.
16. 16. Describe effective methods and curricula for students with special needs.

Standard 3 - Individual Learning Differences

17. Describe the impact of learners’ academic and social abilities, attitudes, interests and values on instruction and career development.

Standard 9 - Professional and Ethical Practice

18. Describe the importance of the teacher serving as a model for individuals with exceptional learning needs.
19. Explain the roles of inclusion and collaboration for students with disabilities.
20. Describe the main values for working with people with disabilities in schools and communities.
21. Describe and discuss "best teaching practices" in special education.

Students in this course will demonstrate mastery of the following skills:

Standard l - Foundations

22. Articulate a personal philosophy of general/special education.
23. Articulate and apply the principles and components of IDEA to case studies.