EDU 222 - Introduction to the Exceptional Learner

1. Learner development and individual learning differences
2. Learning environments for children with exceptionalities that are culturally safe, inclusive and responsive
3. Curricular content delivery to children with exceptionalities
4. Instructional planning and strategies for children with exceptionalities
5. Foundations of the field of special education and ethical practices
6. Collaboration with family, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities, and personnel from community agencies

1. Describe how exceptionalities can interact with development and learning to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities. (1)
2. Create culturally safe, inclusive and responsive learning environments that help individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners who develop emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination skills. (2)
3. Develop individualized learning (differentiated instruction) plans for individuals with exceptionalities. (3)
4. Adapt a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities. (4)
5. Describe the history of special education, the current laws that govern it (IDEA, Section 504, and ADA), and how curriculum standards affect students in special education. (5)
6. Explain the characteristics of the major disability categories as written in IDEA and of gifted and talented students and how socio-economic status, gender, culture, language, and risk factors affect students with special needs. (2,5)
7. Collaborate with others to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences. (2,5,6)