Instructor: Carla S. Harting, PhD

Transcription

1 Administrative and Organization Studies Division Educational Administration and Supervision Program Course Syllabus Title: Michigan Special Education Law Course #: EDA 7810 Section: Term: Winter Year: 2014 Location: College of Education Room 370 Day: Thursday Instructor: Carla S. Harting, PhD Phone: Office: Office Hours: By Appointment - - For appointment call: Time: 5:00 PM to 8:40 PM Course Description: Implications of statutes and regulations that are foundational to the education of students with disabilities; the role of the educator in implementing, monitoring, and influencing state and federal mandates in the administration of special education programs and services. Course Outcomes: 1. To understand the structure of the judicial system and the ramifications of that system on special education programs. 2. To develop an awareness of legal resources and sources of information. 3. To gain knowledge of specific laws affecting the education of the disabled in education today. (IDEIA, NCLB, Michigan Administrative Rules, Michigan School Code). 4. To develop the ability to administer special education programs with a greater understanding of the law based on an analysis of court decisions and existing law. 5. To have a greater understanding of IDEIA 04, its authorization and implications for the education of disabled individuals. 1

2 Required Text(s) 1. Revised Michigan School Code (Internet source: Michiganlegislature.org act of pdf 2. Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education October 2013 ( 13.pdf ) The rules are only available in electronic format. No printed copies are available. The Office of Special Education has updated the document to provide a side- by- side comparison of the Michigan rules and federal regulations. Additional References: 1. Michigan Compiled Laws, Legal Editing and Law Publication Division, Legislative Services bureau, Lansing, Michigan. (Internet source: MichiganLegislative.org) 2. P. L : Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of (H.R> 1350 A bill to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and for other purposes). 3. Yell, Mitchell L. (2012) The Law and Special Education (3 rd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, Prentice Hall. 4. Rothstein, Laura F. & Johnson, Scott F. (2013) Special Education Law (5 th ed.) Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc. 2

3 Course Assignments: 1. Case Analysis and Reflection papers...30 points These papers will consist of a scholarly analysis of a particular case/cases, assigned by the instructor. The purpose of the assignment is to develop the ability to read legal case law in special Education and to understand the ramifications of the decision of the court on administrative practice. (3 cases will be assigned, each carrying a value of 10 points) Questions to be considered in your analysis: What was the issue that led to the litigation? What was the Plaintiff s position? What was the Respondent s position? What was the point of contention that led to due process in the case? Summarize the opinion/order of the court. Reflections: What does this decision teach you for administrative practice? Evaluation rubric: Clarity and logic in your analysis will be the prime import. These papers should be the result of your thinking as formed from your reading and research of case law. Grammar and punctuation, as well as clarity of thought will be considered. These analysis should not be what is often called cut and paste of ideas of legal scholars. It should be the result of your own conclusions and written in your own voice. Your papers are an essential and important part of your total grade. Papers are due on dates assigned by the instructor. Papers may not be ed or faxed. They are to be handed in on the assigned day in class. Late papers will result in a 5 point deduct from your final grade. Select from 3 of 4 cases provided. 2. Case Analysis and Presentation points Present case analysis to class from a case selected from list provided by instructor. Use same format as in #1 and provide a copy of the Case Analysis to class members. 3. Homework: Readings may be assigned by the instructor whenever appropriate, as well as assignments that demonstrate skill in legal research techniques 4. Final Exam: A final exam will be administered at the end of the course. 3

4 Grading: Attendance...10 points Attendance will be graded by timelines of arrival and presence for the entire class. Participation in Class/Professional Commitment points Participation means moving discussion forward in a positive manner and contributing to the overall learning of the group. Assignments points Final Exam..20 points Grading A = points A- = points B+ = points B = points B- = points C+ = points C = points C- = points 4

5 Class Etiquette: Courtesy and respect for others is an expectation. While we may not always agree with the opinions of others, we will respect the opinion of others. This includes not monopolizing class conversations. Everyone should be allowed to speak. Class Policies All class policies as outlined in the current WSU Graduate bulletin will be followed. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with these policies. 1. Readings and other homework assignments are to be completed on time. 2. Cell phones are to be muted or tuned off during class. Children are not permitted to attend class. 3. All written work must: a. Follow scholarly standards presented in the current 6 th Ed. Of the APA Publication Manual b. Be printed or computer generated using 12 point font size c. Use page numbers on all documents d. Use WSU Graduate School format for cover page of all documents. 4. Should you be absent from class it is the responsibility of the student to arrange for someone in the class to take notes and collect any handouts that may be provided. Plagiarism: Plagiarism includes copying material (any more than 5 consecutive words) from outside texts or presenting outside information as if it were your own by not crediting authors through citations. It can be deliberate or unintended. If you're in doubt about the use of a source, cite it. Students caught plagiarizing information from other sources will receive a failing grade in the course. University policy states that students can be subject to multiple sanctions, from reprimand to expulsion as a consequence of academic dishonesty. To enforce this policy, all outside references must be submitted with assignments. 5

6 Withdrawal Policy - Students who withdraw from a course after the end of the 4th week of class will receive a grade of WP, WF, or WN. o WP will be awarded if the student is passing the course (based on work due to date) at the time the withdrawal is requested o WF will be awarded if the student is failing the course (based on work due to date) at the time the withdrawal is requested o WN will be awarded if no materials have been submitted, and so there is no basis for a grade - Students must submit their withdrawal request on- line through Pipeline. The faculty member must approve the withdrawal request before it becomes final, and students should continue to attend class until they receive notification via that the withdrawal has been approved. Withdrawals can be requested at any point from the fifth week of class through the study day. Attention Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, you will need to register with Student Disability Services (SDS) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Student Disability Services (SDS) office is located at 1600 David Adamany Undergraduate Library in the Student Academic Success Services department. SDS telephone number is or (TDD only). Once you have your accommodations in place, I will be glad to meet with you privately during my office hours to discuss your special needs. Student Disability Services mission is to assist the university in creating an accessible community where students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in their educational experience at Wayne State University. Please be aware that a delay in getting SDS accommodation letters for the current semester may hinder the availability or facilitation of those accommodations in a timely manner. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get your accommodation letters as early in the semester as possible. Religious Observance Policy: Because of the extraordinary variety of religious affiliations represented in the University student body and staff, the Wayne State University calendar makes no provision for religious holidays. It is University policy, however, to respect the faith and religious obligations of the individual. Students who find that their classes or examinations involve conflicts with their religious observances are expected to notify their instructors well in advance so that alternative arrangements as suitable as possible may be worked out. 6