The course is designed to familiarize teachers and administrators with the characteristics, problems and educational needs of children who are exceptional. Study is made of the curriculum, methods, and materials suited to teaching exceptional children. Topics considered include perception, language, cognition, and motor development.
Study is made of research findings in learning disabilities, theories and systems.
Course content centers upon a rationale for instruction of learning disabled students, an examination of a variety of methods, materials, and instructional strategies in learning disabilities. This course will focus on theories, characteristics, and treatment of mild, moderate, and severe behavioral disorders in children. Issues involving definition, classification and remediation of such disorders as aggression, autism, depression, and delinquency will be covered. Practical techniques for managing student behavior and for facilitating parent involvement in the education of exceptional students will be presented. Classroom management techniques for various disruptive, withdrawn, and deficient behaviors will be emphasized.