Examination of key issues related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective educational services for learners with severe disabilities. Emphasis on population characteristics, current service delivery issues, legislation and litigation, initial instructional design strategies, and student level instructional issues. Students also are introduced to professional development strategies which will be continued throughout the program of study. Students must complete a professional development plan through participation in a field experience cohort as a component of this course.

Syllabi

Course Syllabus (MS Word 2003)
Course Syllabus (Adobe Acrobat)

Instructional Materials (per course session)

Session 1 - Overview
Session 2 - Characteristics
Session 3 - Communication assumptions
Session 4 - From communication to literacy
Session 5 - Teaching literacy
Session 6 - Sample lesson plan
Session 7 - Systematic instruction
Session 8 - Pivotal skills
Session 9 - IEPs
Session 10 - Assessment decisions
Session 11 - Student preference assessment
Session 12 - Classroom management
Session 13 - Classroom routines
Session 14 - Definitions and History

Field Activity Assignments and Associated Rubrics

Field Activity 1 - Identifying Violations of People-First
Rubric for FA 1

Field Activity 2 - SELECTING Instructional opportunities
Rubric for FA2

Field Activity 3 - PLANNING instruction and evaluation
Rubric for FA 3

Field Activity 4 - Identifying Appropriate Teaching Strategies/Accommodations/Modifications/Supports
Rubric for FA 4

Field Activity 5 - PLANNING instruction and evaluation
Rubric for FA 5

Field Activity 6 - Assessment and Planning
Rubric for FA 6

Field Activity 7 - Self Assessment of Classroom operations
Rubric for FA 7

Field Activity 8 - Communication  Inventory

Supplemental Materials and Resources

Course Outline
Technology Requirements

Course Resources

Brain-Storming Forms
Collaboration as Classroom Practice Form
Improvement Plan Form
Lesson Plan for Students with Significant Disabilities
Professional Reflection Form
Selecting Instructional Opportunities Form
Self-Assessment Form
Student Operation in the Classroom Form