SED 350

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

SPRING 2006

Dr. Marcee M. Steele                                                          962.3365

Education Building 270                                                    steelem@uncw.edu

 

Office Hours: M-W 11:00-1:00; T-R 10:45-12:15; F 8:30-11:30 and by appointment

 

 

TEXTBOOK

Mercer, C. D., & Pullen, P. C. (2005).  Students with learning disabilities (6th Ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice hall.

 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

Examination of the field of learning disabilities.  Emphasis on the concept of learning disabilities, etiology, diagnosis, characteristics, teaching strategies, theory, historical influences, and current trends.  At least 15 field experience hours required.

 

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This course will emphasize the Watson School of Education conceptual framework, developing highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles.

 

GENERAL OBJECTIVES   During this course, students should be able to:

1.      State definitions of key terms in the learning disabilities field

2.      State definitions of learning disabilities

3.      Make LD eligibility decisions based on hypothetical case descriptions

4.      Identify the various disciplines involved in the study of LD and the contributions of each discipline.

5.      Explain the stages in the assessment process and assessment instruments used for each stage

6.      Describe characteristics of learning disabilities and related behaviors

7.      Make decisions about curricular, instructional, and technological modifications based on typical LD characteristics and behaviors

8.      Explain educational implications of the major LD theories

9.      Identify appropriate placement options given descriptions of children with LD

10. Explain educational implications of historical trends and current

issues in the field

 

REQUIREMENTS

1.                  Readings from text in preparation for class discussions and activities

2.                  Two examinations

3.                  Paper on a current LD issue

4.                  Case study based on 15 hours in an LD program including observation, participation, and reflections

 

GRADING POLICIES

1.                  A minimum of 75% of class sessions must be attended to receive course credit; however, attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged

2.                  A minimum of 15 field experience hours must be completed to receive course credit

3.                  Participation in class activities and discussions is encouraged but will not be graded

4.                  Grades will be assigned as follows:

A         94-100%

B         86-93%

C         75-85%

D         65-74%

F          below 65%

5.                  Paper and case study grades will be based on content and technical quality with content weighted double

6.                  Final grades will be determined as follows:

Midterm exam           30%

Final exam                 40%

Paper                         10%

Case study                 20%

Final grade                100%  (If any course requirements are not submitted by due date, the final grade will be lowered; no assignments will be accepted after the last day of class)