Special Education

Students planning a career in special education are advised to:

-Include a six-week placement in a special education setting in their first year of study.

-Elect HDP2280 Introduction to Special Education and Adaptive Instruction in year-1 or year-2 of the program (preferably the first year). It is recommended that ALL CSE MA students complete this elective.

-Elect to take an additional special education elective in the first or second year of study. Recommended special education electives are listed below (course offerings vary from year to year). Sometimes "Special Topics" courses in special education are also available (HDP1238).
 

HDP2280H - Introduction to Special Education and Adaptive Instruction
A critical analysis of current issues related to identification and programming for children with special needs. The emphasis is on using well-founded research to inform instructional practices and decision-making. This course is designed to promote reflective thinking about key topics in Special Education that educators must conceptualize from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It is intended to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable evidence-based understanding of what is involved in working with exceptional learners across a variety of settings, but primarily in an inclusive classroom situation. Focus is placed on curriculum being flexible in responding to diversity, so that teachers are guided to make appropriate accommodations and modified expectations for the various categories of exceptionality. Since characteristics of special needs and second language learners are often inter-related, ESL support will also be addressed

HDP2292H - Assessment for Instruction
Critical analysis of assessment procedures including psychometric tests, curriculum-based assessment, and dynamic assessment and of the function of assessment in relation to adaptive instruction. A practical component is included. Prerequisite: HDP2280H or equivalent

HDP2296H - Reading and Writing Difficulties
This course focuses on prevention and intervention in the area of reading and writing difficulties and disabilities. It is designed to prepare special educators and classroom teachers to implement evidence-based practice in the assessment and instruction of children with reading and writing problems. Half of the course is concerned with assessment, including informal and standardized approaches, and the remainder is concerned with research-based interventions to meet specific programming needs. Both parts involve hands-on strategies with children and adolescents who have serious reading and writing difficulties. Note: Permission of the instructor is required. Priority will be given to students with background knowledge and experience in child study and education, adaptive instruction and special education

HDP1284H - Psychology and Education of Children and Adolescents with Behaviour Disorders
Psychological and educational characteristics of children and adolescents with behaviour disorders with an emphasis on the interplay between constitutional and environmental factors that contribute to these disorders. Research on current assessment and intervention procedures will be analyzed.

HDP1285H - Psychology and Education of Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities
Psychological and educational characteristics of children and adolescents with learning disabilities and ADHD with an emphasis on the constitutional and environmental factors that contribute to these disabilities and enable optimal functioning. Emphasis is placed on the concept of learning disability and on the educational implications of the research literature in the field.

HDP2283H - Psychology and Education of Gifted Children and Adolescents
The Identification and the intellectual, social, and emotional development of gifted children and adolescents; educational programs in regular and special classes.