EDUC 405 - Low Incidence Disabilities

(2 credits)

This course provides an overview of the major trends and issues in educating students with low incidence disabilities. Methods to deliver instruction in a standard aligned system to students with complex instructional needs will be covered. Students will be given instruction in accessing and using Alternate Eligible Content from Pennsylvania’s Standard Aligned System. The importance of language and vocabulary in daily living and academics will be examined, with a special emphasis on the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods. Students will demonstrate understanding of the Standard Aligned Unit Planning Process (SAUPP) developed by PDE and of the principles of presuming competence and the making the least dangerous assumption. Valuable knowledge and hands-on experience will be gained in the lab as students learn techniques in seating and mobility, safe transfers, feeding and more. Collaboration with related service providers, paraprofessionals and agency employees will be addressed. The final assessment for both the lab and class will require students to work in groups to defend an IEP for a case study student in a mock IEP conference. Students will demonstrate and describe interventions and assistive technology that addresses the academic and functional areas of need in the student’s school day. This course fulfills all of the PDE Special Education candidate competencies for Professional and Ethical Practices. Prerequisite(s):

EDUC 150

EDUC 205

EDUC 215

EDUC 305

, and

EDUC 315

. Fall. Students will complete eight hours of field experience in an area school or educational setting. Required clearances will be needed to participate in field experiences.