SPED 4495 Assessment for Special Educators

Assessment allows special educators to understand the individualized needs of students with disabilities. The strategic use of assessment allows teachers to make informed decisions about appropriate program options and targeted instructional strategies for children based on their unique learning needs. This course is designed to prepare special education candidates to administer, score, and interpret several standardized educational instruments as they apply to special education eligibility. Additionally, this course covers the development and monitoring of individualized education plans (IEPs). Candidates will have the opportunity to explore various formal and informal, formative and summative, and culturally and linguistically appropriate assessments and learn how the results of such assessments may inform instruction.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

0

Credits

3

Offered

Athens: Fall, Demorest: Fall

Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Use basic terminology related to educational assessment.
2. Use multiple methods of assessment to guide educational decision-making (e.g., universal screening, progress monitoring).
3. Use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in improvement through feedback and self-evaluation.
4. Describe procedures involved in the process of determining eligibility for special education.
5. Administer technically sound formal and informal assessments that minimize bias and follow legal provisions related to assessment.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and families to interpret a variety of data sources for program planning and decision-making.