Weekly reports and a final paper will be required. It presents a developmental view of the linguistic, cultural, cognitive, physical, and socio-economic characteristics of learners with special needs or learning differences. The complexity of understanding learning differences in relation to language and culture is carefully examined. The course uses media and speakers to present current models of educational programming for students with special needs at the elementary, middle and secondary level. The class, as a working group, will design strategies for serving individuals with learning disabilities, emotional issues and other identified handicapping conditions.
Students create an individualized project and portfolio documenting their work in the course.
For interested students, a practical experience can be arranged through an accompanying field placement. The readings and discussions attend to historical context as well as contemporary conditions and issues. Students complete several short papers, maintain an intellectual journal, and must participate in class discussions. Required off UTEP students and limited to undergraduates. Permission of the instructor required.