The main focus of the course is on students with mild mental handicaps, learning disabilities, or emotional disturbances. The meaning of assistive technology and methods of assessing students to match them with appropriate assistive technology are emphasized. Specific instruction in assistive devices will train the student in this relatively new area of special education. The concepts of inclusion and non-categorical educational identification and teaching are emphasized. A clinical component of observation and analysis of severe disabilities is included.
Emphasis is on the implementation of mandates, policies, and procedures.
Administration of special education programs and how they interface with state, district, and school administration policies and procedures are a focus. Students are required to develop a written plan for a research-based special education program that includes personnel, methods, materials, staff development, relationship to other professionals, parent training, public relations, and budget. Student Teaching in Special Education Students participate in a supervised clinical experience for a minimum of nine weeks for six credit hours. Each student is assigned both a cooperating teacher from a special education setting in a grade level from one through eight and a supervisor from Wilmington College.