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Unit outline_

EDUF3031: Positive Approaches to Special Education

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit addresses issues relating to the education of children and students with special education needs. They include the impact of the philosophy and principles of inclusive education and current legislation; universal design for learning; evidence-based approaches to curriculum design, teaching and learning practices for students with special education needs; and collaboration in schools. A specific focus is given to supporting students with challenging behaviours in a range of settings.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
96 credit points of units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jessica Zanuttini, jessica.zanuttini@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Reflective Commentary Quiz
Online quiz
15% Multiple weeks 2x 15 question quizzes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO4
Assignment Professional Statement
Written file upload
30% Week 08
Due date: 21 Sep 2022 at 23:59
800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentation group assignment Group Presentation with Visual Aid
In class presentation: Wk12 Wednesday groups; Wk13 Monday groups
15% Week 12 15 minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment Field Placement Report
Written file upload
40% Week 13
Due date: 02 Nov 2022 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Reflective commentary quiz: In weeks 4 and 7, outside of class, you will access a multiple-choice quiz on the Canvas site. Each quiz will consist of 15 questions in which you are required to select the most appropriate response based on the content of the readings and lecture material. 
  • Professional statement: This is a professional statement based on the lectures and readings of the first 8 sessions of the unit and your personal thinking. The aim is to give you an opportunity to formulate your initial thinking on inclusion, effective and inclusive teaching practices and how you will support behaviour as part of your professional role.
  • Group presentation with a visual aid: In the first tutorial of the semester (week 7) you will be allocated to a group of 3-6 students. Your group will be provided with an educational scenario that you will work on in subsequent tutorials. In week 12, each group will present online to the class about the outcomes of your collaboration.
  • Field placement report: The field placement assignment comprises a field placement of a minimum of 20 hours to be undertaken in a setting of your choice. As part of this assignment you are required to submit evidence of undertaking the experience and to produce two pieces of written work: a reflective journal that includes relevant links to the literature, and a review of the literature on a topic related to the field placement and special/inclusive education.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Lecture 1: Introduction and overview of the unit of study; Mapping the area of special and inclusive education Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 02 Lecture 2: Inclusive Education and the Disability Standards for Education Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Lecture 3: Inclusive Educational Framework: Universal Design for Learning Online class (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Lecture 4: Principles of Positive Behaviour Support Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Lecture 5: Leadership, Collaboration and Inclusive Education Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 06 Lecture 6: Inclusive Education: From Policy to Practice Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Case Studies: Setting the Scene Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 07 Lecture 7: Whole-School Considerations Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO7
Case Studies: Whole School/Setting Considerations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Lecture 8: Personalised Learning Online class (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Case Studies: Planning for Individual Needs Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Week 09 Lecture 9: Supporting Students with Autism (Positive Partnerships) Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Lecture 10: Supporting Behaviour Through Functional Assessment Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Case Studies: Establishing Positive Behaviour Support Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Lecture 11: Designing Reasonable Adjustments Online class (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO7
Case Studies: Designing and Supporting Adjustments Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Lecture 12: Transitions, Community Agencies, and Support Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Case Studies: Group Presentations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate, evidence of illness or misadventure will be required as part of an application for Special Consideration; a student may be given the opportunity to meet attendance requirements through undertaking additional work (subject to approval through the Special Consideration process). Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study.

Note 1: It is the responsibility of students to be aware of their level of attendance. Attendance rolls will be kept, monitored and checked for authenticity.

Note 2: The unit of study coordinator will be monitoring the impact of external events, and will work with indivdual students to support them meet attendance requirements. 

Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426/pages/enrol-slash-study-education​ 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading Lists tab through Canvas. 

Key Reading Source

Spandagou, I., Little, C., Evans, D., & Bonati, M. (2020). Inclusive education in schools and early childhood settings. Springer.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. critically engage with the philosophies and theories underlying the inclusion of children and students with disabilities (i.e. disabilities, learning difficulties and behaviour disorders) in neighbourhood education settings, learning centres and classrooms, including issues related to early intervention
  • LO2. apply knowledge of disability issues, legislation and government policies related to children and students with disabilities using professional judgements based on problem based learning
  • LO3. demonstrate knowledge of assessment procedures for evaluating program effectiveness and monitoring child and student progress
  • LO4. analyse evidence-based teaching and learning strategies and practices used to assist children and students with disabilities meet educational outcomes
  • LO5. support curriculum adjustments in order to assist children and students with disabilities meet educational outcomes
  • LO6. apply a range of theories addressing the support of children and students with challenging behaviours, as well as behaviour support in general, as part of problem-based learning sessions
  • LO7. discuss the application of a range of strategies for collaborating with setting and/or school staff and support staff as well as parents and caregivers when catering for children and students with disabilities
  • LO8. apply knowledge, skills and values in accordance with appropriate aims and outcomes of the University of Sydney: Generic Attributes of Graduates policy.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
1.7. Learners with special needs
4.5. Culture, diversity and inclusion
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
6.3. Professional identity and development
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.7. Learners with special needs
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.2. The Australian curriculum
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.3. Social and emotional development
1.5. Early intervention
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
4.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
5.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of a range of strategies for reporting to students and parents/carers and the purpose of keeping accurate and reliable records of student achievement.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.5.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
2.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.5.1 A (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
4.1.1 A (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
5.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
6.2.1 A (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
7.3.1 A (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1 A (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Previous Unit of Study Surveys have informed minor changes to this unit for Semester 2, 2022.

Work, health and safety

As part of this unit, students are required to complete 20 hours of fieldwork related to special education. When in the field and working with children, students must have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). In any setting, students are encouraged to take COVID related precautions. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.