Vocational/Transitional Education

Course Details

Course Number: SPED 4523 Section Number: 170

Fall 2012

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 324

Days & Times:

Wednesdays 5:30-8:20

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. Darrell Mohr
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Course Objectives

Objectives The candidate will meet the following standards and competencies relating to special education by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as required for certification as a special education teacher (EC-12), as well as the relevant Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) knowledge and skills base standards for all beginning special education teachers.

Assessment	Comp #	Cluster & Competency
Exam	CC3K2	Impact of learners’ academic and social abilities, attitudes, interests, and values on instruction and career development
Field Experience	CC10S4	Collaborate with team members to plan transition to adulthood that encourages full community participation
Field Experience; modules	GC5S3	Plan instruction in a variety of educational settings
Exam	GC7K2	Model career, vocational, and transition programs for individuals with exceptional learning needs
Field Experience	CC4S1	Use strategies to facilitate integration into various settings
Field Experience	CC4S6	Use strategies that promote successful transitions for individuals with exceptional learning needs
Field Experience	CC10S6	Collaborate with school personnel and community members in integrating individuals with exceptional learning needs into various settings.
Field Experience	GC4S8	Utilize resources and techniques used to transition individuals with exceptional learning needs into and out of school and post-school environments
Field Experience	GC7S6	Design and implement instructional programs that address independent living and career education for individuals
Field Experience	CC7S7	Integrate affective, social and life skills with academic curricula
Field Experience	GC5S1	Provide instruction in community-based settings
Field Experience	CC5S8	Teach self-advocacy
Field Experience	CC5S9	Create an environment that encourages self-advocacy and increased independence
Field Experience	GC5S4	Teach individuals with exceptional learning needs to give and receive meaningful feedback from peers and adults

Course Expectations

Dispositions

The special education faculty expects students to be reflective, culturally sensitive practitioners and leaders in the profession of education who practice within the Code of Ethics adopted by the CEC.

Special education professionals are committed to developing the highest educational and quality of life potential of individuals with exceptionalities.

Special education professionals promote and maintain a high level of competence and integrity in practicing their profession.

Special education professionals engage in professional activities which benefit individuals with exceptionalities, their families, other colleagues, students, or research subjects.

Special education professionals exercise objective professional judgment in the practice of their profession.

Special education professionals strive to advance their knowledge and skills regarding the education of individuals with exceptionalities.

Special education professionals work within the standards and policies of their profession.

Special education professionals seek to uphold and improve where necessary the laws, regulations, and policies governing the delivery of special education and related services and the practice of their profession.

Special education professionals do not condone or participate in unethical or illegal acts, nor violate professional standards adopted by the Delegate Assembly of CEC.

Grading Standards

Grading

(Additional information and rubrics for assignments will be provided in Blackboard)

Professionalism 50

Transition blog (5 x 10pts) 50

Assessment of Transition Readiness (ATR) 50

Mock transition plan 50

Functional Lesson Plan (FLP) 60

Quizzes (4 @ 10 pts) 40

Field Experience Journal 100

Modules (2 x 25 pts) 50

Final Exam 50

Total 500 points

450-500 = A

400-449 = B

350-399 = C

300-349 = D

< 300 = F

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Absentee Policy

Professional teachers are dependable, reliable, and responsible. Therefore, candidates are

expected to be on time and in attendance at every class, and to stay for the entire class.

Candidates will receive a grade of F for the course on the third absence. After the second absence from the course it is mandatory that a student schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss attendance. Failure to schedule and attend a conference will result in the grade for the course being lowered by one letter.

It is expected that you will complete all course field experience hours in a professional manner. Professional conduct is expected when observing or participating in school settings (e.g., dressing appropriately, arriving on time, remaining for the entire pre-arranged time, not canceling, and demonstrating respect in all interactions with young people, parents, teachers, and staff). If you must miss your field experience for any reason, you are expected to call supervisor you are working with before the activity begins for the day. You must also contact the course instructor to let me know you will not be present and arrange a time with me when we can discuss the most appropriate way to make up that absence. Three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

Other Policies

Demonstrate professionalism

Professionalism is shown when students (a) attend all classes on time; (b) participate in class discussions and lectures; (c) dress appropriately; (d) are flexible to schedule changes; refrain from using their phones during class/field experience times; and (e) respect the opinions and rights of others. Students who regularly practice professionalism tend to earn all of the allotted points for that component of the course grade. Professionalism is a significant part of your course grade.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.