EDUC 2301

Introduction to Special Populations

Course Syllabus

Instructor:      Judy Hayman

Office Phone:    713-718-7810  (Voice Mail Only)

Email:         judy.hayman@hccs.edu    (the best way to reach me)

Mission Statement:

The Houston Community College System is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training, and life-long learning opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in an increasingly international and technological society.

Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the medical, psychological, and social and personal characteristics of exceptional students in the regular and special classroom.  Issues related to special education will be introduced.  These include; an overview of terminology, laws, policies, and practices that are consistent with the exceptional child’s right to receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment; diversity and exceptionality; infants and children with special needs; families of exceptional children; the use of technology in special education; and transition to work and community living.  3 credit (3 lecture)

Course objectives:

At the end of the semester the student will:

  1. Understand the definition of exceptional children
  2. Develop an understanding of the laws governing the exceptional child
  3. Develop an idea of the best practices in providing special education services
  4. Become aware of special education and cultural diversity
  5. Define various areas of special education
  6. Develop methods of working with children of various disabilities

Textbook:

Exceptional Children by: William Heward    Eighth Edition

Grading:

A= 90-100                                          D= 60-69

B= 80-89                                             F= Below 60

C= 70-79

 

 

Attendance:

There is a strong correlation between class attendance and college success.  Your class involvement enables you to learn more effectively and actively: therefore, class attendance is essential.

I DO NOT DISTINGUISH BETWEEN EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES EVEN IF YOU BECOME ILL OR HAVE FAMILY EMERGENICES.

You must sign the roll sheet every class day to be counted as present.  You may miss three classes without penalty; however, I suggest you save these absences for emergencies.  Avoid arriving late to class to avoid disruption of our learning session.  The time that you are tardy will count toward your absences.

Once you are absent, it is your responsibility to receive the missed class lecture information from another student.  DO NOT expect me to give you information concerning the class you missed.

Assignments:

All papers must be typed, double-spaced, free of errors, and have a typed cover sheet attached.  I do not accept late papers.  You MUST turn in your assignment on the date that it is due.  Absences do not excuse you from getting your work in on time, so make arrangements in advance if you will not be in class.  Make sure you keep a copy of every assignment you turn in.

No cell phones or games or children are allowed in class !!!!!!

Standards For Papers:

It is a requirement that you have passed the TASP reading and writing prior to your taking this class.  Your assignments should be typed and contain correct grammar and spelling.  If you paper contains more than 5 grammar and spelling errors, I will take off 10 points.

I WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE PAPERS.  DO NOT ASK ME!

 

Grading Percentage:

Exams                                       50%

Field Studies                              25%

Assignments                              25%

 

TOTAL                                    100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom Conduct:

In college you are treated as an adult.  Because of the nature of discussion involved in the class, it is imperative that we respect each other’s opinions and values.  Discipline problems are not tolerated.  Any student failing to abide by appropriate standards of conduct during scheduled college activities may be asked to leave that day’s class or activity by the instructor or another College official, (the student has the right to return to the next class/activity.) If a student refuses a request to voluntarily leave the classroom, security may be summoned to remove the student so that the scheduled activity may resume without further disruption.  In cases of serious problems, the faculty will document and report the incident to his/her supervisor.  Further disciplinary action may be pursued according to System guidelines, presented in the HCCS Student Handbook.

PHONE and BEEPERS should be turned off.  No gaming or text messaging !!!!

Grade Reports:

Students will receive their final grade reports online at www.hccs.edu. or www.getgrades.com.  Students who require a paper or had copy of their grades must obtain an unofficial transcript from the Records and Admissions Office of their campus/college.

Special Note:

The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus except for the grading scale and attendance policy.  You will be notified of all changes in writing.

American Disabilities Act and ADA Compliance:

HCCS is compliant with the ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  “Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Service Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.  Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.”  The Disability Services Office number for Southwest College is 713-718-7910.

Sexual Harassment:

It is a violation of HCCS policy for an employee, agent, or student of the college to engage in sexual harassment as defined in the EEOC guidelines (EEO/AA Compliance Handbook pg. 47).  Consult the Student Handbook for specifics.

NOTICE: Students who repeat a course for a third or more times face a $50. fee in addition to regular tuition and fees . A student attempt is defined as withdrawing or failing a course after the 12th class day. Please ask your instructor / counselor about opportunities for tutoring / other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.

 

State Policy concerning withdrawals

 

Faculty members will no longer be able to assign a W on the final grade entry screen.  Instructors who wish to drop students for excessive absences must submit completed drop slips to the registrar on or before the last date for withdrawal.  Students and instructors must complete and submit withdrawal forms before  April 3rd.  If students stay in the class after the drop date, the student must receive a grade.

 

 

 

Writing Requirements for EDUC and TECA classes:

A prerequisite of all EDUC and TECA classes is that students must have passed the English component of the THEA or assessment exam.  It is imperative that teachers of our children are literate in the English language.  Therefore, all EDUC and TECA students in Southwest College will be required to write a 1-2 page “in-class” essay at the beginning of the semester.  This essay will determine your English skills.

 

If an instructor determines that the student’s English grammar and spelling is below standard, the instructor may suggest that the student see a counselor to enroll in an English class.  The instructor may also suggest that the student withdraw from the EDUC or TECA class until English courses are completed.  If a student decides to stay in the EDUC or TECA class, the student will be required to have all papers reviewed by the HCC tutors at the various campuses or online.

 

All written assignments will receive a grade deduction due to poor spelling and grammar.

 

IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD DUE TO YOUR LEGAL STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY:

 

1.  If you do not have a social security number/card, you will be unable to take the Teacher Certification Test to teach in the state of Texas when you are a senior at a four year university.   If you do not think that you will be able to attain legal status by your senior year, you may want to select a major other that teacher education.

 

2.      If you do not have a social security card, you will be unable to complete a Criminal Background Check which is required to observe at all public schools and some private schools.  Observation in schools is a requirement in all TECA and EDUC classes. You may go to your home country’s consulate office.  They can provide you a Matricula Consular form.  They have the responsibility of protecting you and will not report your immigration status.  Then this form can be used as identification for the completion of the Criminal Background Check form required by all ISD schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUC 2301

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

To retrieve a copy of your syllabus, you need to:

1.  Go to:   www.hccs.edu

2.  Click on:  Southwest College

3.  Click on:   Learning Web

4.  Go to:  Find someone on the Learning Web

5.  Type in:   Hayman

6.  Click on:   My picture

7.  Click on:  Your course name and number

8.  Print out a copy of your course syllabus and bring to class.

 

 

COURSE CALENDAR

 

Week One                  Introduction

8/25   8/27                              Chapter One:      The Purpose and Promise of Special Education                     

Assignment #1 Find the IDEA 2004 on the internet using a search engine

                                    Complete questions on IDEA 2004

Week Two                  Chapter Two:   Planning and Providing Special Education Services

9/3                

Week Three               Chapter Three:   Collaborating with Parents and Families

9/8   9/10                     Assignment #1 is due on  9/8   

Week Four                 Chapter Four:   Mental Retardation

9/15   9/17                   Assignment #2:  Questions on Chapter 4

 

Week Five                  Chapter Five:     Learning Disabilities

9/22   9/24                   Assignment #2 is due on  2/24

Week Six                    Chapter Six:      Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

9/29    10/1                 

 

Week Seven               Chapter Seven:  Autism Spectrum Disorders

10/6   10/8                   Assignment #3:  Short answer questions on Chapter 7.

MID TERM EXAM

 

Week Eight               Chapter Eight:  Communication Disorders

10/13   10/15             Assignment #3 is due on  10/15

Week Nine               Chapter Nine:  Deafness and Hearing Loss

10/20   10/22

Week Ten                   Chapter Ten:     Blindness and Low Vision

10/27   10/29               Assignment # 4: True or False questions on Chapter 10

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM YOUR CLASS IS NOV. 6th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Eleven              Chapter Eleven: Physical Disabilities, Health Impairments, ADHD

11/3     11/5                 Assignment #4 due on 11/5

Week Twelve             Chapter Twelve: Low Incidence Disabilities:

11/10    11/12             

Week Thirteen           Chapter Thirteen: Giftedness and Talent

11/17     11/19            

Week Fourteen          Chapter Fourteen:  Early Childhood Special Education

11/24   11/26              

Week Fifteen             Chapter Fifteen:  Transitioning to Adulthood

12/1     12/3  

Week Sixteen             FINAL EXAM        9:00 am  Dec. 8th, Monday.    If you do not show up for your final, you will receive a “0” for your final exam grade.