The College of Education of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is dedicated to the development and support of wise, reflective professional educators who will work toward a just and diverse society that embraces democratic principles. The wise teacher:

      * Possesses rich subject matter knowledge.
      * Uses sound pedagogical judgment.
      * Has practical knowledge of context and culture.
      * Acknowledges the relativism associated with variations in the values and priorities of both their peers and their students.
      * Is comfortable with the uncertainty of the outcomes of instructional decisions.

(College of Education Conceptual Framework, 2000)

Catalog Description

   Characteristics and educational implications of physical, intellectual, social and emotional    deviations among exceptional individuals. Ethical and legal aspects of special education.    Observations in educational settings. (4 units) 

Course Overview and/or Rationale

   This course is a prerequisite for the Special Education credentials and the Master’s Education:    Option in Special Education. It also fulfills the mainstreaming requirement for the clear credential.

Relevant Professional Standards
   The professional standards for this course are available online at specialedcredentials.com.

Course Goals/Objectives

1. Understanding of the content and intent of legislation providing education services for students with handicapping conditions.
2. Understanding of the process of mainstreaming in the cascade of services for students with handicaps for placement in the least restrictive environment.
3. Ability to relate national categories of special education to services provided in California.
4. Knowledge of the causes and characteristics of nationally established handicapping conditions.
5. Knowledge of modes of treatment and education of different handicapped individuals.
6. Knowledge of the procedures by which handicapped individuals may be referred.
7. Knowledge of evaluation and placement procedures and the role of the regular educator in this process.
8. Knowledge of the basic content of an Individualized Education Program.
9. Knowledge of the physical, social/emotional and environmental needs of students with handicapping conditions.
10. Knowledge of the characteristics of individuals served under the California program: communication handicapped, learning handicapped, physically handicapped, severely handicapped.
11. Awareness of current trends and issues in education of learners with handicapping conditions, particularly as related to linguistic and multicultural concerns.
12. Knowledge of assessment and development needs as related to placement of exceptional individuals.
13. Awareness of techniques for communicating with special educators.
14. Knowledge about student study team procedures.

Course Requirements

1.            Observations in educational settings.  It is a requirement of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing that students have the opportunity to observe children with disabilities.  Two observations are required and the period of observation should be at least two hours (2) in length and can be completed in more than one session.  Observations in your own classroom are disallowed.  The observation form must be signed by the principal.  Observation reports should follow the format provided and are due in weeks 4 and 7.  Observations are required in the following two settings:

1.      Children who are Learning Handicapped (LH) served in a Resource Specialist Program (RSP), pull-out/separate room.

2.      Children who are Severly Handicapped (SH) served in a Special Day Class (SDC).

2.            Examination.  One examination will be given on the text readings.  The examination will be objective in format and conducted during the official examination period.  A passing grade on the final examination is required for successful course completion.  A study guide for the examination has been provided and is attached to the syllabus. A large scantron form and a soft pencil are needed for the final examination.

Textbook/Bibliography

Turnbull, R., Turnbull, A., Shank, M., Smith, S., & Leal, D. (2002). Exceptional Lives (3rd edition). Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Course Policies

Class attendance and participation. Students are expected to attend and participate in each class session. Attendance is defined as arriving on time and staying until dismissal. Class participation opportunities are both formal and informal. A formal activity is scheduled for each class session that is designed to apply student learning to teaching situations. These activities are supported by assigned readings. Informal participation includes general class discussions. It is expected that all student comments and questions will be shared with the whole class.

Commitment to Diversity

In our commitment to the furthering of knowledge and fulfilling our educational mission, California State University, San Bernardino seeks a campus climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the entire variety of human experience. In our commitment to diversity, we welcome people from all backgrounds and we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures in the curriculum and extra-curricular life of the campus community. Dimensions of diversity shall include, but are not limited to, the following: race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, sex/gender, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, national origin, and age. (from the CSU San Bernardino University Diversity Committee Statement of Commitment to Diversity, 1995)

In keeping with the university’s Commitment to Diversity, the faculty of the College of Education fully support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Faculty will provide reasonable accommodation to any student with a disability who is registered with the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities and who needs and requests accommodation.

Course Calendar

This schedule is provided to help students schedule readings and is subject to change.
Session Assigned Chapter Readings and Topics