EDUC 231 - Directed Practicum for Special Education

Number of Credits: 1
Required for students preparing to become teachers. Engage in a guided observation of school services for students with special needs at the level at which students want to be certified for a total of fifteen clock hours. Participate in seminars at the college. Apply concepts learned in the EDUC-230 course to teaching and learning for special education populations in a local school. May provide assistance to classroom teachers as requested. External classroom observation will occur on the students’ own time. (Fall & Spring Only) Varies by week. One Credit. One billable hour.

Pre-requisite(s): Students (including transfer students) must be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA). EDUC majors must have a grade of C or better in any previous field placements.
Co-requisite(s): EDUC 230
Course Topics:
Teacher knowledge, skills, and dispositions that help student learn

Professionalism

Effective observations of learners, teachers, instruction, and programs in a special education setting

Curriculum construction that is responsive to developmental, cultural, and social needs of special education students

Contemporary education issues in special education

Common adaptations in instruction

Inclusion

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn. (PLG1)
Analyze observations of learners, teachers, instruction, and programs in the area in which he/she wishes to be certified. (PLG1, PLG2, PLG3)
Reflect on different approaches to learning/teaching in a special education setting. (PLG1, PLG3, PLG4)
Recognize the construction of curriculum as responsive to developmental, cultural, and social needs of special education students. (PLG1, PLG4)
Identify the role and responsibilities of special education teachers in one of the following settings: elementary, middle, or high school. (PLG2)
Recognize a professional code of ethics and the behaviors of professionals that enhance and impede learning. (PLG2)
Identify contemporary education issues in special education. (PLG1, PLG4)
Identify common adaptations in instruction necessary to meet the diverse needs of individuals with special needs. (PLG 4)
Examine the practice of inclusion of students with special needs in the regular classroom. (PLG2, PLG4)
Translate field experiences into reflective course assignments as well as teaching and classroom management practices.(PLG2, PLG4)