Middle Level (Grades 4-8) / Special Education (B.A.)

From both developmental and ecological perspectives, this course explores the diversity of individuals in society and schools, including race, ethnicity, regional background, exceptionality, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and religion. Personal beliefs and attitudes surrounding issues of human diversity and its impact on the family, community, and society are examined. The course provides an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in educating students from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities. Additionally, the course highlights the characteristics of students with special needs and ways to accommodate their needs in the classroom setting.

This course prepares preservice teachers with foundational knowledge and skills needed to be effective teachers of literacy to PreK-4 students in regular education settings who demonstrate significant problems in reading and writing. It prepares teachers to use diagnostic assessments as a basis for planning preventive and remedial instruction. Emphasis is placed on understanding and analysis of learning problems and the design and implementation of instructional interventions in reading and language arts. Field experience is required of all students, and course content and assignments are linked to this experience.

La Salle students will be placed in special education settings for twelve weeks during the semester and work with students with special needs under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and supervisor. One day a week will be spent on campus attending courses and EDC 477: Seminar in Special Education.