END OF SEMESTER PROJECT

Choose a project from the list below or submit a proposal of your own to the instructor by Midterm.  A blank copy of the evaluation rubric (see the bottom of the page) MUST accompany the project when you turn it in at the end of the semester.

NOTE: Quality of references will impact your grade (journal articles and professional books will receive more credit).  Late reports will result in lowered grades (excuses for late paper, etc. will not be accepted unless documentation is also presented in the form of backup disks or hard copy of paper in progress - always back up unfinished or finished work).

Evaluation criteria for web resources: http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html

Link to useful information about APA: APA

Choose one:

1. Paper: Choose a specific disability, health condition, syndrome, or issues in special education you are interested in learning more about. Research the topic and include the definition, diagnostic/assessment procedures, treatment, educational implications and adaptations, teaching strategies, and web sites for additional information or assistance. The quality of the information that you provide will determine the grade. You need to include at least 5 references (in addition to information from the text) that are integrated into the paper.
2. Brochure: Choose a specific disability, health condition, syndrome, or issues in special education you are interested in learning more about. Research the topic and include the definition, diagnostic/assessment procedures, treatment, educational implications and adaptations, teaching strategies, and web sites for additional information or assistance. The quality of the information that you provide will determine the grade. You need to include at least 5 references (in addition to information from the text) that are integrated into the brochure.

   The brochure should be printed on a single piece of paper that can be folded to create an attractive brochure. The information should be inviting to read and should be written so that someone unfamiliar with the topic of diverse learners should be able to read and understand the information. The reader should be able to use the brochure to access more information about the topic if they wish to.

3. PowerPoint: Choose a specific disability, health condition, syndrome, or issues in special education you are interested in learning more about. Research the topic and include the definition, diagnostic/assessment procedures, treatment, educational implications and adaptations, teaching strategies, and web sites for additional information or assistance. The quality of the information that you provide will determine the grade. You need to include at least 5 references (in addition to information from the text) that are integrated into the PowerPoint.
4. Research: Choose a topic or issue in special education. Review 10 refereed journal articles related to this topic/issue. Paper should include a short review of each article, summary of information in articles, and your conclusions regarding this topic/issue.
5. Interview: Interview individuals involved with a person with disabilities. Include at least three of the following: a parent, a sibling, the person with a disability, a service provider who knows the individual well. Remember to have the individual or his/her parent’s permission to contact others. Use the individual’s real name only with permission. Develop at least 10 questions for each person which reflect course content. When writing up your reflections about the interviews, relate what was said to information from at least 3 references (from journals, books, etc.).
6. Collab. Interview: Interview persons involved with transition from school to work. Some examples might be Rehabilitation Services, LARC, group home staff, or a high school instructor. Address the following areas: services provided, eligibility for program, type of job training offered, others involved, counseling or leisure activities provided. Develop at least 10 questions for each person which reflect course content. When writing up your reflections about the interviews, relate what was said to information from at least 3 references (from journals, books, etc.).
7. Assessment: Choose an assessment instrument used to diagnose a disability or to decide on program goals in a disability area. You may choose either a norm or a criterion referenced test. Write a 3-5 page paper discussing the reliability and validity of the test, the testing sample, how scores are reported and the best use for the test according to the authors and others (use at least three references). You will need to provide examples of the test items and scores in your paper.
8. NCLB: Discuss "No Child Left Behind" and its implications for special education. Include the following: a. Short overview of law; b. need for statute (include data); c. purpose; d. goals; e. implementation schedule; f. consequences for failure to comply; g. supplemental services; h. funding; i. parent and student rights; implications for special education practice, services, and students
9. IDEA: Discuss the proposed reauthorization of IDEA and its implications for special education.
10. Research to Practice: Report on an effective instructional strategy: a. define the strategy; b. define types of knowledge or skills for which this may be an effective strategy; c. define types of learning problems for which this may be an effective strategy; d. discuss which disabilities may be positively impacted by use of this strategy; e. provide an example of this strategy; f. discuss implementation in regular education