2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
 

Department of Special Education and Clinical Services

College of Education and Educational Technology

Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.

EDEX 103 Special Education Technology

3c-0l-3cr

Addresses the use of assistive technology in the classroom in areas of communication, mobility, education, recreation, vocation, independence, and therapy/rehabilitation. The emphasis is on developing awareness of the diversity of assistive technology currently available for individuals with disabilities. Specific applications of assistive technology devices, which improve and maintain the functioning capabilities of individuals with disabilities, are presented. Students engage in independent learning activities and receive information that enables them to gather information about assistive technology devices, companies, and related services.

EDEX 111 Introduction to Exceptional Persons

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: Department majors, dual majors, minors, and official incoming transfers only

Surveys characteristics, needs, problems, and behavior patterns of individuals who have disabilities or who are gifted. Develops an understanding and knowledge of individuals with sensory, behavioral, physical, cognitive, language, and learning disabilities. Acquaints students with history and legislative bases of special education.

EDEX 112 Typical and Atypical Growth and Development

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 111, PSYC 101

Presents foundations of human growth from conception, including basic embryogenesis, up to but not including adolescence. Considers the biological, cultural, educational, and parenting influences that shape the child, as well as selective examples of normal and deviant physical and intellectual development.

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EDEX 221 Methods of Teaching Mathematics to Persons with Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: MATH 151, EDEX 111

Emphasizes recent developments in elementary curriculum and instructional techniques for developing concepts; implications of recent resource developments and materials helpful to the prospective special education teacher. Also emphasizes methods of helping children learn mathematical concepts through physical activity and ways to adapt regular classroom materials to meet needs and abilities of slow and disabled learners.

EDEX 222 Methods of Teaching Reading to Persons with Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: Sophomore status or above

Focuses on basic concepts of developmental reading instruction and systematic coverage of methods of teaching reading from readiness stages through eighth grade. Reviews research in the field, including current issues, trends, practices, and services. Additionally, issues and practices related to students who are English language learners will be examined. Throughout the course, a variety of instructional approaches (e.g., cooperative learning, simulations, role-playing, co-teaching, and whole-group instruction) will be used to facilitate the acquisition of new skills. Students will also become familiar with software useful for reading instruction.

EDEX 231 Methods of Teaching Content Area Subjects to Persons with Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 111, 3.0 GPA

Presents methods for teaching science and social studies to the mentally and/or physically handicapped. Scope and sequence of content, as well as evaluative techniques for each content area, are studied. Integration of other content areas and skill areas is stressed. Also stresses teaching in both resource room and less restrictive environments.

EDEX 300 Education of Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Elementary Classrooms

2c-0l-2cr

Prerequisites: Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6 and Elementary Education majors only; to be taken only during the semester of the designated methods courses

Examines the issues associated with education of students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with disabilities or who are at risk for school failure. Emphasizes special education, particularly the legal rights of students with exceptionalities and their parents, and the responsibilities of educators in addressing those rights. Examines the differential impact of student characteristics on elementary-level school performance and instructional methods proven to be effective in educating students with disabilities and learning style differences.

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EDEX 301 Education of Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Secondary Settings

2c-0l-2cr

Prerequisite: Secondary Education majors and others who will be certified to teach content from K-12

Recommendation: It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the same semester as the designated methods course.

Examines the issues associated with education of students with diverse learning needs, particularly those with disabilities or who are at risk for school failure. Emphasizes special education, particularly the legal rights of students with exceptionalities and their parents, and the responsibilities of educators in addressing those rights. Examines the differential impact of student characteristics on secondary-level school performance and instructional methods proven to be effective in educating students with disabilities and learning style differences.

EDEX 321 Methods of Teaching Language Arts to Persons with Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 111, 222, SPLP 254 3.0 GPA

A review of typical and atypical characteristics of learners with disabilities in relationship to the language arts. Examine issues related to the preparation and execution of units of instruction in language arts for persons with mental and/or physical disabilities as well as issues and practices related to students who are English language learners. Stresses the use of diagnostic and prescriptive approaches to the integration of language arts across the curriculum with an emphasis on reading.

EDEX 323 Instruction of English Language Learners with Special Needs

2c-0l-2cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 111, 112 or by department permission

Provides future teachers with the necessary methods to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL) in the classroom. Based upon knowledge of the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of a multicultural approach to learning, instructional methods, appropriate assessment and language acquisition techniques, and use of varied resources will be included.

EDEX 340 Introduction to Behavior Management in Special Education

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 111, 112, PSYC 101

An overview of systematic behavioral change techniques for use with students in a variety of special education settings, including integrated, resource, self-contained, special school, and residential. Emphasizes a case analysis approach to creating and evaluating behavioral changes for students with mild to severe disabilities.

EDEX 415 Preschool Education for Children with Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, 3.0 GPA

Provides information on assessment, intervention strategies, curriculum, and prescriptive planning for preschool children with disabilities. For departmental majors who are specifically interested in early childhood education, as an elective for other interested students in related fields, and as a priority course for Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6 majors.

EDEX 416 Education of Persons with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process, a dual major in Disability Services/Sociology or a minor in EDEX

Focuses on major theoretical positions regarding etiology of emotional and behavioral disorders, definition and identification of the population, and educational approaches. Reviews research in the field, including current issues, trends, practices, and services.

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EDEX 417 Education of Persons with Mental Retardation or Developmental Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process, a dual major in Disability Services/Sociology or a minor in EDEX

Focuses on major theoretical positions regarding etiology of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, including autism. Definition, identification, and educational approaches are discussed. Reviews research in the field, including current issues, trends, practices, and services.

EDEX 418 Education of Persons with Physical or Multiple Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process, a dual major in Disability Services/Sociology or a minor in EDEX

Focuses on major theoretical positions regarding etiology of a wide and diverse range of physical/multiple disabilities, the definition and identification of the population, and educational approaches. Reviews research in the field, including current issues, trends, practices, and services.

EDEX 419 Education of Persons with Brain Injuries or Learning Disabilities

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process, a dual major in Disability Services/Sociology or a minor in EDEX

Focuses on major theoretical positions regarding etiology of neurological and learning disabilities, definition and identification of the population, and educational approaches. Reviews research in the field, including current issues, trends, practices, and services.

EDEX 425 Methods and Curriculum (Mild-Moderate Disabilities)

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 221, 222, 231, 321, 340, successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process

An in-depth examination of assessment methods, strategies, and curricula. Emphasizes assessment methods and strategies used in a variety of service models that serve elementary- and secondary-level students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mild mental retardation, and high-function autism.

EDEX 435 Methods and Curriculum (Severe-Profound Disabilities)

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisites: EDEX 221, 222, 231, 321, 340, successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process

Emphasizes methods designed to facilitate the development of an integrated, functional, and community-based curriculum that prepares students for participation in a wide variety of postschool environments.

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EDEX 440 Ethical and Professional Behavior

1c-0l-1cr

Prerequisites: Departmental permission, successful completion of Step 1 of the 3-Step Process

Emphasizes ethical and professional behavior for student teachers and professional employees. Possibilities for and methods of initiating and profiting from postbaccalaureate study are indicated. Student teachers are required to complete and present a curriculum book regarding each student-teaching experience.

EDEX 460 Family Perspectives on Disability

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: PSYC 101

Intended for any major who will work with families and youth with disabilities. By understanding families as competent and resourceful systems, students critically examine ways to collaborate effectively with family members. Focuses on legal and philosophical bases for supporting families in making important decisions affecting the education and care of their children.

EDEX 480 Seminar in Special Education

var-1-3cr

Prerequisite: Departmental permission

The pursuit of knowledge regarding specific concerns of the exceptional which are not ordinarily considered in such detail during regular classroom instruction. Students are expected to submit a written proposal regarding their desire for study at the time permission for enrollment is sought. With permission, the course may be repeated for credit.

EDEX 481 Special Topics

var-1-3cr

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.

EDEX 493 Internship/Field Training

var-12cr

Allows the intern to demonstrate competencies working in a public or private agency providing educational/rehabilitation services. This may include, but not be limited to, writing and analyzing comprehensive evaluation reports, counseling individuals with disabilities, understanding agency and/or service delivery responsibilities and limitations, referral and follow-up processes, and use of various assessment approaches in evaluating an individual’s capacity to function independently in a broad range of community settings.

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