Issues and Trends in Exceptionality
EDUC-721

It is imperative that all educators are prepared to deal with the special needs of exceptional students. Ministering to those in need is the professional responsibility and the spiritual mandate for every Christian. Furthermore, it is necessary that doctoral-level students are able to investigate, interpret, and conduct research that leads to informed decision-making as it affects the education of those with disabilities.

Upon successful completion of this course, the candidate will be able to:

1. Understand current issues in special education from differing perspectives.
2. Formulate opinions about current issues within special education.
3. Develop professional writing skills.
4. Locate and digest research.
5. Formulate and design research.
6. Demonstrate scholarly writing skills and the application of APA formatting and style.

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore.

Additional Materials for Learning

1. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
2. Internet access (broadband recommended)
3. Canvas recommended browsers
4. Microsoft Word

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will review the assigned material and formulate a response to the issue that is presented that week. The candidate should pay close attention to the points made in the reading and add his/her reflection based on his/her experience. The candidate’s argument must be submitted in a thread of at least 300 words. For each thread, the candidate must support his/her assertions with at least two citations in current APA format. The candidate will then reply to a classmate using a coherent argument that is logical, properly formed in manner and respect, and coherent. Each reply must be at least 150 words and must include at least one source in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and article reviews. (CLO: A, B, C, F)

The research question reflection assignment will allow the candidate to begin the research process by considering relevant topics within the field and focusing on a particular question. The reflection will include an evaluation of the feasibility, clarity, and significance of the research question. The candidate will write a four paragraph paper answering the provided questions formatted according to in current APA standards, although no title page or references are required for the assignment. (CLO: C, D, E)

The candidate is required to complete three Journal Critiques throughout the course. The candidate will choose an article aligned with the readings for the week but is encouraged to try to find an article that also supports the chosen research topic. Each critique must be 1–2 pages, must follow current APA style, and must be completed using the outline provided. (CLO: C, D, F)

The candidate must have an appropriate research question for use on the Research Proposal. The candidate will focus on the variables and the hypothesized results for the research question and will formulate a strong research question. (CLO: C, E)

The candidate will write a 10–15-page Literature Review that utilizes 15–20 sources, primarily research journal articles, and follows current APA style. (CLO: C, D, E, F)

The Research Proposal is intended to help the candidate begin thinking about appropriate research techniques. The format of this assignment is a short answer quiz to help each candidate use his/her research question to take a robust look at each component of the research. The candidate is not required to perform the research that is proposed here, nor does the candidate need to know the specific statistical analysis. The candidate will answer each question thoroughly but succinctly with 1-5 sentences for each short answer. This quiz contains 10 short answer questions, has no time limit, and allows for unlimited attempts, with the latest attempt counting towards the candidate's grade. (CLO: C, E, F)

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at [email protected] for accommodations.  Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition.   For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/. Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at [email protected].  Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy or the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures.

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs. Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non-Attendance). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory.

Liberty University comprises a network of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/.

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.