Course Description
This course provides students with knowledge about the types of disabilities and the behavioral and instructional supports used for working with special needs students. Common terms and acronyms of the special education process are also identified. Learning outcomes are based on the National Paraeducator Standards Levels One, Two and Three and include information on the important role paraprofessionals/paraeducators have in supporting school success. Students will be provided with numerous modes of learning, including lecture, group discussion, application activities and classroom observations to assist them in learning and demonstrating the content of the Exceptional Learners course. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of laws that impact students with disabilities by supporting safe, equitable learning environments that honor diversity and inclusion.
- Know educational challenges experienced by students with disabilities and their families that manifest as a result of varying disabilities.
- Implement effective instructional, social emotional, and behavioral strategies that support student learning and well being.
- Use knowledge of a student’s strengths and interests to encourage engagement and optimal learning in various school related activities.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 32% |
Quizzes (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7) | 20% |
Family Member Interview and Reflective Journal (Week 3) | 10% |
Classroom Observation, Verification & Reflection Form (Week 6) | 20% |
Final Research Paper (Week 8) | 18% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Turnbull, Ann et.al. Exceptional Lives. 10th ed. Pearson, 2024.
Additional Requirement
- Students are required to complete one observation of a paraeducator working in an educational setting, where they will submit a signed verification form and reflection form in Week 6 of this course. Because it does take time to make arrangements to observe in a school setting, students are required to begin planning for these visits in Week 1. Students should reach out to the Field Experience Coordinator for assistance in contacting schools. The College has provided a letter of introduction to assist students in arranging for the visit.
Recommended Resource
- National Resource Center for Paraeducators Website: http://www.nrcpara.org.
- CT Paraeducator Information and Resources Website: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Paraeducator/Paraeducator-Information-and-Resources.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topic: Laws of Special Education and Cultural Justice Readings:
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2 | 2, 4 | Topics: Families and Educational Progress Readings:
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3 | 2-4 | Topics: Learning Disabilities and Communication Readings:
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4 | 2-4 | Topic: Emotional Disturbance Readings:
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5 | 2-4 | Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Readings:
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6 | 2-4 | Topics: Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, and Traumatic Brain Injury Readings:
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7 | 2-4 | Topic: Autism Readings:
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8 | 1-4 | Topics: Low Incidence Disabilities Readings:
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.