SAMPLE SYLLABUS

SYLLABUS

SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGISLATION & LITIGATION

PDED 505, 2 CREDIT HOURS

KIM KILLU, Ph.D., INSTRUCTOR

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS:  Daily, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Dear Students,

Welcome to Special Education Legislation & Litigation Online at the University of Michigan-Dearborn!  This course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge of the history and practice of special education law so that you can provide appropriate services to your special education students and effectively maintain their educational rights.  

This on-line version of the course allows you to work at your own pace.  For this particular course, you will be required to learn the course content through assigned readings, visiting specific websites, participating in on-line discussions, and completing various assignments.  You are also required to complete a research paper on an area related to special education legislation and litigation. 

The course syllabus includes essential information related to the class.  More detailed information about the course requirements is broken down for you on the assignments page.  Please familiarize yourself with the organization of this course before proceeding. 

Throughout this course we will interact with each other in a variety of ways.  I encourage you all to interact with me and with each other, just as we all would in a "live" class, by making comments, asking questions, and engaging in discussions related (or even unrelated!) to the course content.  I'm looking forward to working with and learning from all of you!

Kim

TOP

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The content of this courses traces the historical development of special education through landmark legislation and litigation, parent advocacy, and national economic and social needs.  The provisions of federal and state special education mandates, judicial interpretations, and Michigan state guidelines regulating the delivery of educational and vocational services to persons with handicaps will also be addressed. 

REQUIRED READING

    Yell, M. L.  (1998).  The law and special education.  Upper Saddle River, NJ:  Prentice-Hall.

The U.S. Department of Education has also issued the final regulations for implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997.   A FREE copy of these regulations is available by calling the U.S. D.O.E. at 1-877-4-ED-PUBS.  Please call and arrange to receive your copy.

COURSE TOPICS

  1. Historical development of Special Education/Landmark Litigation

  2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975

  3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

  4. Individualized Education Programs/Individualized Family Service Plans, Individualized Transition Plans

  5. Due Process

  6. Inclusive Education/Least Restrictive Environment

  7. Disciplinary Provisions for Students with Disabilities

  8. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  9. Michigan State Plan

  10. Michigan Administrative Rules

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After the completion of this course, students will be able to do the following through oral and written means:

  1. describe the historical evolution of students with disabilities in terms of landmark litigation and legislation
  2. cite important lawsuits concerning the right to a free and appropriate public education
  3. discuss the provisions of P.L. 94-142 (and subsequent amendments) in terms of the school’s, teachers’ and parental rights and responsibilities
  4. describe the component of a due process hearing; distinguish between substantive and procedural due process
  5. describe the operational aspects of the Michigan State Plan addressing the education of handicapped students in Michigan
  6. discuss the implication of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act for educators, parents, and individuals with disabilities
  7. explain provision of the MI State Plan to colleagues and parents in terms that are accurate and understandable
  8. explain the purpose of a due process hearing
  9. respond to case studies depicting various compliance and non-compliance issues

ASSIGNMENTS 

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Reading assignments and web sites that correspond with each topic are listed on the assignments link. Students must read the chapter in the textbook and visit the web sites before participating in the online discussion.

  DISCUSSIONS

Participation in online discussions is required for each topic in the course. You may read and post messages in the discussions at anytime of the day. The discussions enable students to interact with each other and to discuss the readings, web sites, and issues related to the topic. Student participation in the discussion is graded, so for specific instructions for each course discussion, read the syllabus and grading criteria for the course in which you are enrolled.

     TOPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Guided notes, competencies, checkpoints, and/or other assignments are required for each topic. These assignments require students to respond on the basis of readings, web site visits, and information that has been discussed in the online discussions. For specific instruction read the syllabus and grading criteria for the course in which you are enrolled.

  FINAL EXAM OR PROJECT

A final exam or final project that requires students to apply knowledge to practical situations is required for each course. For specific instruction read the syllabus and grading criteria for the course in which you are enrolled.

EVALUATION

    POINT DISTRIBUTION   

   9 QUIZZES @ 10 POINTS EACH         

    On-line Discussions

    Contemporary Issues Report      

ADDITIONAL SOURCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS

    Ekstrand, R.E., Edmister, P., &Riggin, J. (1989). Preparation for special education hearings: A practical guide to lessening the trauma of due process hearings. Reston, VA: CEC

    Goldman, C.D. (1991). Disability rights guide. Kansas City: Westport.

    Osborne, A.G. (1996). Legal issues in special education. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

    Rothstein, L.F. (1990). Special education law. White Plains, NY: Longman.

    Shrybman, J.A. (1982). Due process in special education. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen.

    Strickland, B.B., & Turnbull, A.P. (1990). Developing and implementing individualized education programs. Columbus, OH: Merrill/Macmillan.

    Turnbull, H.R. (1990). Free appropriate public education: The law and children with disabilities (3rd edition). Denver: Love Publishing.

    Underwood, J.K., & Mead, J.F. (1995). Legal aspects of special education and pupil services. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.