Assignment+Descriptions


 * __Mandatory Assignment__**

Four exams will be given during the course of the semester as listed on the course schedule. All exams shall cover any topic addressed to that point in the course. Exams will be multiple-choice in format and completed utilizing Scantron technology.
 * Exams (280 pts total) **

An 8 to 10 page paper will be prepared and submitted during the semester. The paper will serve as an individual statement of philosophy regarding the education of students with disabilities, as well as poor and minority students, in American Public Schools, considering the issues presented during the course. This document will also be included in your professional portfolio if you choose to apply to the Education Department at Benedictine College. Two rubrics will be provided to aid in completion of this paper. One will be used to score the paper, the other, a Standard Assessment Rubric (SAR), must be included in your portfolio when submitted for application to the department.
 * Reflection Paper (100 pts) **

Students are required to complete reflection journals on topics 1-4 (see Reflection Topic List). Additionally students have the option of completing Reflection Topics 5-8 and 9-12 to move up levels. The reflections should be no more than two pages in length and serve as a personal REFLECTION. Content from course lecture, our text, personal experience and outside content are welcome. Students should focus their writing and be as clear and concise as possible. The instructor will provide feedback and changes should be incorporated as these journal entries may be used in completion of the Reflection Paper assignment (see above).
 * Reflection Journal (up to 60 pts) **

A group project will be completed as a part of this course. Groups will be organized to explore one of the disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The group will be responsible for researching characteristics and methods of individuals identified as having the assigned disability. Additional information and a sample presentation will be provided during a class session. A rubric is included below.
 * Group Project (100 points) **

Having the correct textbook is essential to successful completion of the course. The material necessary to mastery of the course will not all be presented during course lecture. Once you have obtained a copy of the text you will be awarded 100 points.
 * Textbook (100 points) **

A page on Wikispaces is used heavily in this course. If you already have a Wikispaces account you may visit: http://ramseyfall2011.wikispaces.com/ and request to join the wiki. An invitation has also been sent to your email address. Once I see you have joined Wiki, you will be awarded 100 points.
 * Wiki (100 points) **


 * __Self-Selected Assignment (each worth 40 pts)__**

Select a book about an individual with a disability. Read the book and schedule a time to discuss the book during office hours. If you need suggestions for books or would like to borrow a book, some are available.
 * Book Review **

Watch three movies about individuals with disabilities. Schedule a time to discuss the movies during office hours. If you need suggestions for movies or would like to borrow a movie some are available. Extra points will be given if this assignment is done in groups of 2, 3, or 4. The discussion will need to be attended by each member of the group and additional flexibility will be give.
 * Movie Review **

Select a method for teaching a diverse learner. Research the method and present the steps in utilizing this method with a poster or by making a video. Your ‘demonstration’ should be of a quality and completeness that would allow a teacher to effectively implement the strategy in their classroom.
 * Disability Instruction Guide **

Identify and read an article about some issue related to individuals with disabilities. Using the wiki page create a discussion and present your reflections on the article. You should include a citation for the article and about 500 words describing and reflecting on the issue. An article from the popular press is acceptable for this assignment.
 * Article Review **

Spend at least 5 hours observing/working in a classroom serving students with disabilities. Present an experience journal of 3 to 5 pages describing your experience. The teacher whose classroom you observe should provide a written statement of your time in the classroom.
 * Classroom Visit **

Identify an agency that provides community-based services to individuals with disabilities. Arrange a visit to this agency and observe their work. Present an experience journal of 3 to 5 pages describing your experience. A representative from the agency should provide a written statement confirming your visit.
 * Community Based Service Provider Visit **

Identify a related service provider who provides treatment to individuals with disabilities. Arrange to shadow this professional for 5 hours. Present an experience journal of 3 to 5 pages describing your experience. The professional should provide a written statement confirming your shadow experience.
 * Related Service Provider Visit **

Students may develop interview questions and interview one of the following individuals regarding their work with students with disabilities:
 * Interviews **


 * Special Education Teacher Interview
 * Regular Education Teacher Interview
 * Social Worker Interview
 * Psychologist Interview
 * Ministry for Adults with Disabilities Interview
 * Parent Interview

The interview should be approximately 20-30 minutes in length and be transcribed for submission for credit. Only one interview may be completed at the Silver and Gold level.

** Bronze Level ** || ** Scores up to an 800 (B-) ** ** Silver Level ** || ** Scores up to a 900 (A-) ** ** Gold Level ** || ** Leveling Up ** ** Platinum Level ** || Exam 2 (70 pts) Exam 3 (70 pts) Exam 4 (70 pts) Reflection Paper (100 pts) Reflection Journals 1-4 (20 pts) Group Project (100 pts) Text book (100 pts) Join Wiki (100 pts) || Reflections 5-8 (20 pts) Self-Select Activity (40 pts) Self-Select Activity (40 pts)
 * ** Scores up to a 700 (C-) **
 * Exam 1 (70 pts)

* Only one optional activity may be an interview. || Reflections 9-12 (20 pts) Self-Select Activity (40 pts) Self-Select Activity (40 pts)

*Only one optional activity may be an interview. || To increase scores in the level or to move above 900 pts, students may earn Experience Points for activities during the semester. Attending outside talks, engaging in experiential activities, or completing outside readings are all examples of how one might earn XP’s. || Movie Review (one-on-one discussion) Disability Instruction Guide (poster or video) Article Review (wiki discussion) Classroom Visit—5 hours (experience journal) Community Based Service Provider Visit (experience journal) Related Services Provider Visit (experience journal) |||| Special Education Teacher Interview (transcript) Regular Education Teacher Interview (transcript) Social Worker Interview (transcript) Psychologist Interview (transcript) Ministry for Adults with Disabilities Interview (transcript) Parent Interview (transcript) ||
 * **Self-Select Activities—students may choose from the following list of activities** ||
 * Book Review (one-on-one discussion)

Students enrolled in ED222 will choose which Level they wish to achieve based on the activities they choose to complete throughout the semester. Activities must be completed by their scheduled due date. Students must complete all lower level activities to be considered for a grade associated with a higher level. Experience points may be earned at all levels. A student completing all Bronze, Silver and Gold activities with 100% accuracy will earn an A- in the course. A student completing all Bronze and Silver activities with 100% accuracy will earn a B- in the course. A student completing Bronze Level activities with 100% accuracy will earn a C- in the course. In order to earn a higher grade within each level (Bronze-C/C+, Silver-B/B+) or to earn a score in the Platinum Level (A), a student must complete additional Experience Points (XP’s) throughout the semester. Experience Points will be offered in the same way one might typically expect to earn extra credit. Students who wish to earn additional XP’s are welcome to develop their own activities, and with instructor approval, use those to earn XP’s. Additional incentives for high XP earners:
 * Top overall XP earner in each section of ED 222 will earn a gourmet meal of their choosing (limits apply), prepared/served by the professor.
 * Top four XP earners in each section of ED 222 are excused from the final exam and their highest previous exam score will be substituted for Exam 4.
 * Top 10 XP earners in each section earn ½ dozen of the best chocolate chip cookies in the world, baked by the professor. Seriously, ask around, they are the best chocolate chip cookies EVER.