T438 – Children with Special Needs and Diverse Abilities
This course is designed for general education classroom teacher candidates to provide an overview of the growth and development of children with special needs and diverse abilities, with a special focus on those children classified as having learning disabilities. Candidates study characteristics of various disabilities and find out where to go for more in-depth information on specific types of special needs and related support services. Teacher candidates consider the implications of various special needs and diverse abilities in both self-contained and inclusive settings, and in society more broadly. The course covers referral, assessment, specific teaching methods including assistive technologies and alternative communication systems, collaboration among professionals, and partnership with families. Teacher candidates study diverse cultural perspectives on special needs and the place of multicultural responsiveness in the development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP’s), Individual Education Plans(IEP’s), and inclusive classrooms. The course also details pertinent legislation affecting the education of children with special needs and diverse abilities