MEDAILLE COLLEGE | Graduate Catalog | 2010–2011
ESP 603 IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT MODELS FOR AT-RIST READERS This course explores the connections between special education professionals and the most recent research in the field of reading education by focusing on the atypical development and educational needs of students who experience difficulties in acquiring the literary skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Best practices for teaching atrisk readers and those who have demonstrated significant reading delays will be explored. Topics will include, but not be limited to, reading assessment, best-practices instructional models for at-risk readers at the elementary and middle school levels, and a comparison of the more constructivist models of reading instruction with the models of systematic, sequential instruction as proposed by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for Exceptional Children. The use of assistive technology in the inclusive classroom to benefit at risk readers will also be considered. Three credit hours. Offered every semester. ESP 604 EDUCATING STUDENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE DISABILITIES Provides the necessary knowledge and skills to select, adapt, and sequence instructional methods and materials for a range of elementary and middle school students with higher incidence developmental disabilities. The development of differentiated instructional methodologies along with group instructional procedures will be examined. Emphasis will also be placed on the integration of general education and special education methodologies along with the development of Learning Communities, instructional differentiation and curricular adaptation, access to the general curriculum, functional skill objectives, and community-based instruction. Consideration will be given to issues relevant to the student’s cultural and social background in the identification of disability, developmental delay, and the development of individual educational objectives. The impact of diversity and assistive technology services of persons with special needs in the school will also be addressed. IEP development and relevant legal and service mandates as per IDEA and ADA will also be examined. Three credit hours. Offered every semester. ESP 605 EDUCATING STUDENTS WITH SEVERE AND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES This course examines the characteristics of elementary and middle school learners with severe or multiple disabilities and related curriculum development and methods of instruction, including use of assistive technology and alternative assessment practices. It also examines the issues, problems, and trends affecting the development and implementation of community-based educational, recreational, work and living options and supports. Sample topics include least restrictive environment and inclusion, person-centered planning, family involvement, medical concerns as relevant to the classroom, advocacy, and teacher roles and responsibilities. The unique perceptions, educational, and social needs of families of children with severe and multiple disabilities will also be examined with sensitivity to culture and values. Three credit hours. Offered every semester.
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