General Information

• Name: Introduction to Special Education
• Discipline: Education (EDU)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Surveys the various types of exceptionalities. Emphasizes etiology, physical and educational characteristics.

II: Course Objectives

This course serves as an introduction to special education and public school students with special needs. Students examine the social forces involved in the inclusion of such students in the regular classroom, thus impacting the classroom teacher, the other students, the family, and the community. This course is also intended to help students understand the laws and court cases affecting special education as well as the range of special education services inside and outside the school. This course gives both prospective special education teachers and regular classroom teachers a contextual base from which to serve exceptional students and families more effectively.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

Students who complete this course are expected to demonstrate they:

▪ have college-level skills in reading, writing, and oral communication appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis.

▪ have problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills.

▪ have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.

▪ understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics within elementary education.