Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Introduction to Special Education (Online)

SPED 5030-01

Course: SPED 5030-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TED
CRN: 13250

Course Description

3 Credit(s)

This course will provide teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills to assist in the identification of students with disabilities and to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the general classroom. Included in the course are: knowledge of the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; knowledge of the role of non-special-education teachers in the education of students with disabilities; knowledge and skills in implementing least restrictive behavior interventions; skills in implementing and assessing the results of interventions; and skills in the implementation of an educational program with accommodations, modifications, services, and supports established by an IEP or a 504 plan for students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Includes school practicum. (As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Gargiulo, R. M., & Metcalf, D. J. (2017). Teaching in today's inclusive classrooms: A universal design for learning approach (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. [ISBN: 978-1305500990]

You DO NOT need to purchase any of the supplemental online materials with the text - only the book itself.  

You can find the book at this link:
 
You can rent a paper copy or buy the electronic copy of the book for approximately $30. No need to get the Cengage unlimited, I have used it in the past and prefer not to give you the added expense.
If cengage website is not working and you can't find the etext, I suggest getting your online book using the link below. This is the 4th edition which has everything you need and more.

https://ebooksbasic.com/product/teaching-in-todays-inclusive-classrooms-a-universal-design-for-learning-approach-4th-edition-pdf-ebook/gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw36GjBhAkEiwAKwIWycYpjlMEWQFJ8HnYOYbVkitI903FIs2r9KQCOVwsN7yzGiMN2DyiIBoCcpEQAvD_BwELinks to an external site.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Discuss the special education process, including legal basis, evaluations and IEPs.
  2. Describe the sub-types and characteristics of students with high- and low-incidence disabilities, as well as terminology used in eligibility, identification and placement procedures.
  3. Identify effective instructional procedures that facilitate prevention and intervention strategies for use with students with mild and moderate disabilities.
  4. Describe effective service delivery systems for students with mild and moderate disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels.
  5. Describe the functions of assessment in (a) the classification of, and (b) instructional programming for students with mild and moderate disabilities. 

Course Requirements

Course AssessmentsCourse Outcomes
Weekly Activities1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Discussions1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Scenarios1, 2, 3
Chapter Quizzes1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Lesson Plan w/Adaptations (IRIS)1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Final Exam or Project1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Weekly Activities

For each module there will be between 3-5 activities to complete with an upload to Canvas. Points for each activity vary, but are generally around 20 points each. 

Discussions

There will be a discussion for each module. The discussion will cover 1 or 2 chapters. Post a reply and respond to two classmates' posts. You will get 10 points for post and 10 points for each reply.

Weekly Quizzes

For each module there will be 1 20 point quiz consisting of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. As I view quizzes as additional learning opportunities, you will have the opportunity to take each quiz twice. I suggest taking it the first time at the beginning of the module finishing the content, and then taking it a second time at the end of the module. 

Lesson Plan (IRIS)

You will complete a lesson plan using fictional students we will create in class and will be require to provide UDL adaptations for each section (6 parts) of the lesson plan that you could make for those students with special needs.

Final (TBA)

The final will be a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and application questions. It will be comprehensive and I will provide a study guide the week prior to the exam. 

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Course AssessmentsPointsPercentages
Weekly Activities20022%
Weekly Discussions24027%
Weekly Quizzes11012%
Lesson Plan w/ Adaptions15017%
Final Exam or Project10011%
Total800100%
GradeRange
A100 % to 94.0%
A-< 94.0 % to 90.0%
B+< 90.0 % to 87.0%
B< 87.0 % to 84.0%
B-< 84.0 % to 80.0%
C+< 80.0 % to 77.0%
C< 77.0 % to 74.0%
C-< 74.0 % to 70.0%
D+< 70.0 % to 67.0%
D< 67.0 % to 64.0%
D-< 64.0 % to 61.0%
F< 61.0 % to 0.0%

Course Outline

  • Sun Apr 13, 2025 — Module 7: Chapter 11 Scenario Grades K-3 (Don't do both scenarios. Choose one or the other) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — FERPA Consent Waiver — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — Introduce Yourself — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — Module 1: Chapter 1 Video Case — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — Module 1: Chapters 1 & 2 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — Module 1: Discussion 1 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Aug 31, 2025 — Module 1: IRIS UDL Module Part 1 — due by 11:59pm
  • Wed Sep 3, 2025 — Commenced Attendance Quiz — due by 11:59pm
  • Fri Sep 5, 2025 — Module 2 Assignment - SUU K-12 Programs Policies — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 7, 2025 — Module 2 Assignment - SUU K-12 Programs Policies — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 7, 2025 — Module 2: Chapter 3 Scenario — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 7, 2025 — Module 2: Chapter 8 Scenario — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 7, 2025 — Module 2: Chapters 3 & 8 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 7, 2025 — Module 2: Discussion 2 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 14, 2025 — Module 3: Chapter 4 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 14, 2025 — Module 3: Discussion 3 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 14, 2025 — Module 3: IRIS Module Part 2 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 14, 2025 — Module 3: IRIS Module Part 3 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 21, 2025 — Module 4: Chapter 4 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 21, 2025 — Module 4: Chapter 4 Scenario — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 21, 2025 — Module 4: Discussion 4 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Chapter 11 Scenario — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Chapter 5 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Chapters 10 & 11 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Discussion 5 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Discussion 6 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Sep 28, 2025 — Module 5: Iris Module Part 4 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 5, 2025 — Module 6: Chapter 5 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 5, 2025 — Module 6: Discussion 7 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 5, 2025 — Module 6: Iris Module Part 5 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 5, 2025 — Module 6: Iris Module Part 6 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 12, 2025 — Last Assignment: You're a Disgrace Survey — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 12, 2025 — Module 7: Chapter 7 Quiz (Quizzes are Open Book) — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 12, 2025 — Module 7: Discussion 8 — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 12, 2025 — Module 7: Final Exam — due by 11:59pm
  • Sun Oct 12, 2025 — Module 7: Final Exam Projects — due by 11:59pm
  • Practicum (Work on All Semester) — due by 11:59pm

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond in the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time, to find feedback look at this tutorial How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor.

It is my goal to:

  • Respond to student messages within 2 business days
  • Provide grades and feedback within 10 business days from the due date

If I do not respond to you within this time frame, feel free to reach out again...it won't be a bother!

Late Work Policy: Late assignments will not be accepted, unless a time extension has been negotiated at least 2 days prior to the due date.

Make Up Work Policy: If you are going to be absent and you notify the instructor PRIOR to the absence, arrangements will be made to allow you to make up in-class assignments or complete an alternate assignment.

Extra Credit: Extra credit will not be a regular part of this course; however, it may be offered at the instructor's discretion. Do not ask for extra credit at the end of the semester to bring up your grade. The answer will be NO.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy: Plan to log in and work in the course at least 3 days per week. Each week will require approximately 5 hours of work, (including 2 hours of practicum during 5 of the weeks)

Course Fees

Program and Course Fees

Registration Restrictions

Additional Course Information and Resources
Course Information

Introduction to Special Education

Online

Overview of Course and How to Navigate Canvas

https://youtu.be/3kDKt6p_brc

Course Map

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU, please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and the Student Handbook (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.page.

Financial Security Statement

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your wellbeing. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.  

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.