By the end of the semester the student will be able to:

• Know the characteristics, by definition, of exceptional children and be able to explain the educational and emotional needs of each different group.

• Understand terms like Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, emotional retardation, mental retardation, gifted.

• Demonstrate how to include children with disabilities into the "typical" classroom.

• Define individual screening, assessment, and individual Educational Plans for children with special needs.

• To adapt the environment for special children.

• Provide a plan for parents to participate in the total education of their child.

• Describe how people think and feel about disabilities.

• Know the existing federal, state, and local agencies and services available to parents and teachers of special children.

• Distinguish between developmental sequences and developmental milestones of motor, cognitive, psychosocial and language development.

• Discuss the correlation between poverty and developmental disabilities in young children.

• Describe social and political forces that helped bring about federal legislation on behalf of exceptional children, including the gifted.

• Trace society's changing attitudes toward children with handicaps.

• Discuss inclusion in terms of early development, critical learning periods, and teachable moments.

Communication
• college level writing skills
• oral communication skills
• college level reading skills

Analysis
• understand the role of science and technology in the modern world
• have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information

Personal Development
• work effectively with others

Community Commitment
• know the basic principles and processed of government at the local, state, national and international levels
• understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics in the modern world