The Exceptional Child

Fall 2009

Course Number: ECE 200 Credits: 3

Class Hours: 4:00 – 6:45 p.m. Location: GTA 128

Instructor: Jocelyn Whitworth, M.Ed. 340-2618 (cell) 753-8646 (work)

Email:

Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the characteristics, training and educational needs of children with disabilities and children who are gifted. Students will explore the existing educational agencies, programs and instructional methods designed for the disabled and the gifted.

Prerequisites: ECE 250, Introduction to the Young Child

Course Outcomes and Measurements:

Course Outcomes / Measurements
Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for early intervention based on historical, legal, philosophical, and research based influences. / Contrast paper
Reflection papers
Small group activities
Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal laws and guidelines as they relate to services for young children with disabilities and their families. / Midterm exam
Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of disabilities (such as mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and physical/sensory impairments) on overall skill development as well as learning in the classroom. / Small group activities
Observation reports
Final project
Demonstrate understanding of how exceptionality affects placement, assessment, and appropriate teaching strategies. / Reflection papers
Small group activities
Observations reports
Final project

Required Textbook: Allen, K. Eileen, Cowdery, Glynnis E., (2009) The Exceptional Child (sixth edition)

Accommodations: The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates accessibility in all aspects of the learning environment. If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, please call the Student Services Office at 775-753-2271. If you have need of modifications within the classroom setting, please let me know as soon as possible.

Teacher Expectations:

Cell phones: Since this is an evening class, students may bring cell phones to class in order to be accessible to family members. Phones must be set to vibrate, calls must be taken outside of the classroom setting, and absence from the classroom should not exceed 5 minutes. No texting is allowed in the classroom environment.

Attendance: Per GBC Academic Standards, three hours of absence for a three credit class is considered an excessive absence. Therefore, students are expected to be in class each evening for the entire class session. As the instructor, I have the discretion to assign make-up work for students considering the class meets once per week. I will assign make-up work forone absence in the event of a documented family emergency, work conflict or illness. A student will be asked to drop the course for two or more absences.

Academic Integrity: GBC subscribes to the traditional policy of academic integrity; students are expected to complete their own work. Students who plagiarize or commit academic dishonesty are violating the standards of academic integrity and are subject to consequences ranging from failing the assignment or course to dismissal from the institution. Plagiarism is presenting the words, ideas or data of another as your own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or data of another, the source of that information must be noted through quotation marks with specific references.

Method of Instruction

Lecture, PowerPoint presentations, discussion, small group activities, lesson planning, case studies, brainstorming.

Grading Scale:

A+ 97-100%

A 93-97% C+ 78-79%

A- 90-92% C 73-77%

B+ 88–89% C- 70-72%

B 83–87% D 67-69%

B- 80-82% D- 64 - 66%

F Below 64

Assignments

Small group activities:

Attendance and participation are required at each class. There will be 1-2 small group activities during each class session.

Reading reflections: You will be asked to submit a 1 page reflection paper for the assigned reading at the beginning of each designated class period for a total of 7. These should be typed and should discuss how the chapter increased your knowledge base, changed your opinion, sparked your interest with a desire to learn more about the topic, created more questions in your mind, deepened your understanding of the subject matter and/or brought out certain emotions (whether positive or negative). You will exchange reflection papers with 1 classmate. The purpose of this task is to see another person’s perspective regarding the same reading material. A full class brainstorming session will follow.

Interview/ Compare & Contrast Paper

You will be asked to interview three people who attended public school. One should be older than fifty, one should be in their thirties, and one should be currently enrolled in high school. You need to compare and contrast their feedback regarding memories of services provided to individuals with disabilities during their early years (toddler, prek, early elementary).Weave your own memories into the paper along with the value of legislation that was the instrument of change. This project should be 3-4 typed pages.

Observation Reports

You will conduct two 60 minute observations. Both should take place in an inclusive setting. One observation should be of a child under the age of 5; one observation should be of a child between the ages of 5 and 8. Complete the observation form provided using appropriate detail.

Mid-Course Exam: This exam will be given during the eighth class session (10/22). It will be based on chapters 1-8 and will include additional information discussed during class sessions. “Exam material” will be identified during each class session. The format will include short answer, essay and multiple choice.

Final Project: The final project will be a small group presentation. Your group will select a developmental area (cognition, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, communication) as well as a disability area (see eligibility categories under IDEA). You will present a lesson plan and detail how activities will be modified for your student with special needs. You will also discuss general classroom accommodations for your student. This presentation should last 30 minutes. A rubric will be provided.

PLAGIARISM: Policy of Academic Integrity - GBC subscribes to the traditional policy of academic integrity: students are expected to be honest. Students are expected to do their own work. Students who plagiarize or commit academic dishonesty are violating the standards of academic integrity and are subject to consequences ranging from failing the assignment or course to dismissal from the institution.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:

Another person’s actual words are quoted

Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in the student’s own words

Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is common knowledge.

ADA Accommodations: Great Basin College supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. An advisor is available to discuss appropriate accommodations with students. Please contact the ADA officer in Elko at 753-2271 at your earliest convenience to request timely and appropriate accommodations.