Special Education Catalog - graduate studies at assumption college

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course descriptions
EDU 512 - Introduction to Research in Education
This course is designed to enable students to become critical readers
of research in education. It also helps them to design and conduct
research in an educational setting. Both quantitative and qualitative
methodologies are addressed. Students are expected to analyze
research reports and to design potential research products. 3 credits
EDU 515 - Diversity in Schooling
This course examines the concept of diversity and its implications
for teachers, students, and schools. The course draws from leading
scholars and writers in the fields of education and related disciplines
to highlight the various perspectives on diversity. It also will emphasize
the impact of culture on the curriculum, teacher-student
relationships and pedagogy in schools. Through course readings,
discussion and collaborative learning, and independent research, students
will gain a greater understanding of the concept of diversity
in its various permutations and will learn how to identify, select, and
design teaching strategies that support expressed goals for diversity
in schools. 3 credits
EDU 520 - Teaching and Learning: Concepts and Models
This course includes the in-depth study of behavioral and cognitive
theories of learning and motivation that influence and inform
current practices in education. A variety of teaching models based
on these theories is examined. 3 credits
SED 551 - Speech and Language Development
and Interventions
This course provides in-depth coverage of the normal acquisition
and development of speech and language, including phonology,
morphology, syntax, and semantics. Relationships between language
learning and neurological, motor, and thought development are
examined, as well as speech and language assessment and intervention
practices for the student with special needs. 3 credits
EDU 552 - Foundations of Teaching Reading
This course introduces students to the theoretical and philosophical
bases underlying reading development. Using the stages of reading
development as a frame, students explore the role of phonemic
awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension
at stages from emergent literacy to mature reading. Students also investigate
the relationship of reading to writing, language and cultural
influences on reading development, instructional models of reading,
methods and materials for reading instruction, and the assessment
and evaluation of reading development. There is a focus throughout
the course on connecting theory and research to current practice
and policy, with specific focus on the Massachusetts English
Language Arts Curriculum Framework. 3 credits
EDU 553 – Teaching Writing
This course includes the investigation of theory and research related
to the writing process and reader response. It covers the broad range
of writing development from emergent literacy to mature writing.
A variety of topics is addressed including process writing, methodology,
cultural influences on writing development, and the assessment
and evaluation of writing across the grades. There is a focus
throughout the course on linking theory and research to current
practice and policy. 3 credits
EDU 554 - Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (5-12)
This course includes the investigation of theory and research related
to the processes of reading and writing, and responding to content
area text in the middle and secondary grades. It addresses a variety
of topics such as strategy development for reading and writing to
learn, methods and materials, cultural influences, assessment and
evaluation, and the roles of teachers and administrators. There is a
focus throughout the course on linking theory and research to practice
and policy. 3 credits
SED 560 - Foundations of Special Education
This introductory course serves to familiarize students with the historical,
theoretical, and philosophical bases underlying special education
and provides an essential foundation for further study in
special education. Students will examine the characteristics of children
with exceptionalities; educational terminology for students
with mild to moderate disabilities; etiology of learning abilities and
disabilities; federal and state laws and regulations that govern services
for children with exceptionalities; and nature of the role and
responsibilities of the teacher of children with moderate disabilities.
Current issues such as cultural and linguistic diversity; inclusionary
practices; categorical vs. non-categorical approaches to diagnosis;
prevention vs. intervention vs. remediation of disabilities; preparation,
implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education
Plans (IEPs); and the standards-based education reform movement
are broadly addressed. Services provided by other agencies are also
discussed. 3 credits
PSY/SED 562 - Physical, Cognitive, and Language
Developmental Pathways and Challenges
This course provides in-depth study of human growth and development
of children and adolescents in the physical, cognitive, and
language domains with an emphasis on both typical and atypical development.
The positive contributions and limitations of various developmental
theories and conceptual frameworks are examined.
Throughout the course, students consider the relationship between
development and the selection of appropriate educational services
and interventions for children and adolescents with special needs.
3 credits
PSY/SED 564 - Social and Emotional Developmental
Pathways and Challenges
This course provides a comprehensive, balanced overview of social
and emotional development and disorders. Students examine, compare,
and contrast significant social and emotional development
theories, research, and interventions. This course assists students to
understand better the relationships between developmental challenges
and effects on learning, thereby enabling them to select and
implement various instructional approaches and interventions with
critical appreciation for children and adolescents with social and
emotional special needs. 3 credits
PSY/SED 566 - Assessment of Special Learning Needs
of Children and Adolescents
In this course, students will gain knowledge of both formal and
informal assessment of students with special learning needs using a
systematic and comprehensive approach. They will examine frequently
used diagnostic assessment tools in areas of physical, cognitive,
language, social, and emotional development. Emphasis is
placed on those assessment strategies that yield objective data
regarding individual skill repertoires and learning characteristics,
thereby providing a basis for educational decision making and the