PSYCHOLOGY OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

PSY 322-90
SPRING 2014
WEB-BASED (ONLINE COURSE)
Dr. Joy Cooley-Doles
Professor, Dept. of Psychology
Office: C-129 Brown Hall
Office Phone: 823-9439
Psychology Dept. (C-127 Brown Hall): Mrs. Holliman, Admin. Asst., 823-8573
Email: jacooley@nsu.edu
Office Hours: T- 1:00 2:30
W - 11:00 a.m. 3:00p.m.
TH- 1:00-2:30
F - Virtual/ Online Only, 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Other Times By Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course studies the unique and typically abnormal psychosocial characteristics and stresses
encountered by the exceptional child. The course focuses on the analysis of a childs behavioral
responses and personality development, ranging from normal adjustment mechanisms to the
most serious pathological conditions.
COURSE DELIVERY METHOD
This is a web-based course which is accessed by the university Blackboard system. An online
course is different from traditional face-to-face classes because it requires you to be a much more
self-directed student/learner. As a consequence, the student must work independently and
diligently to successively achieve course goals.
PREREQUISITES: Consent of Instructor
To successfully complete this course the student must possess the following computer literacy
skills:

Possession of at least an elementary knowledge of computers. Understanding files and

folders for the purpose of uploading or downloading course content is absolutely necessary.

A good understanding of the use of Web resources such as library and online research tools
accessed through a Web browser.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint.

Understanding the use of NSU e-mail to ensure effective communications with both
instructors and classmates.

Knowledge of the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS).

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COURSE RATIONALE:
This course is designed to give a general introduction to the characteristics of exceptional
learners and their education. Given that students with special needs are being included in general
education classrooms, general educators need to understand the special student population and
work with special educators in providing appropriate programs.
REQUIRED TEXT and LAB:
Heward, W.L. (2013). Exceptional children: An introduction to special education (10th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
MyEducationLab (packaged with new textbooks)
SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES:
American Psychological Association - www.apa.org
Psychweb - www.psychwww.com/
Includes links to classic works in psychology, journals, other psychology sites, scholarly
resources in psychology sorted by topic, and career information for psychology majors.
COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, the student should have:
1.
Improved critical thinking skills
2.
An understanding of exceptionality
3.
An understanding of the services and supports which must be available to ensure
that an individual with a disability is able to live and learn successfully in a
community setting
4.
An understanding of learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum
disorders, and the gifted & talented
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
This is an online course that runs from January 11, 2014 through May 2, 2014. You will access
the course through Blackboard. There will be no face to face meetings.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
There will be assessments, quizzes, and assignments. All Assignments will be posted in
Blackboard in relation to each week of instruction on the main menu. Assignments will not be
accepted via e-mail. All work must be submitted through Blackboard according to the unit
instructions with each week. No assignments sent via e-mail will be counted. Each week, the
student must log onto Blackboard and click on the corresponding week for course information
and assignments for that week.
COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR:
This is located near the end of the syllabus.

RELATED UNIVERSITY WIDE REQUIREMENTS:

The following will be required and assessed in this course:
1.
Writing: Students must demonstrate good written communication skills in all written
communications with the instructor. This includes e-mail communication, written
assignments, assessments, and discussion boards. Grammar and spelling will be taken
into account in the grading of all assignments.
2.
Information Technology Literacy: Success in an online course requires that the
student be proficient in the use of the Internet, word processing software, and other
required software. Students must use good problem-solving skills and consult the
appropriate resources when problems arise. The instructor is not the source of
technical support. There will be no face-face meetings so it is imperative that
students have easy access to the Internet.
3. Critical Thinking: Assignments will be designed to reinforce and assess the critical
thinking skills of students.
EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated through a series of assessments (multiple choice), a final
evaluation, and written assignments including discussion boards.
Assessments: Students will be evaluated via three assessments. There will be a
time-limit for each assessment. The assessment will save and submit at the end
of the time limit. Each assessment will be worth 100 points for a total of 300
points.
Final Evaluation: 200 points
MyEducationLab and DiscussionBoards: Assignments and quizzes are posted in
weekly units in Blackboard. The due date for each is indicated in each weekly unit.
Some assignments will be in MyEducationLab. You must have the access code for
MyEducationLab (MEL) and be registered in the course in MEL in order to
complete and get credit for the MEL assignments. 500 points
Feedback: Objective assessment results will be available on Blackboard after each assessment.
Feedback for written assignments will usually be given within two weeks. Students will be
continuously aware of their performance level (grade) in the class.
Need for Remediation: Students who are having difficulty are encouraged to utilize NSU
tutorial services and/ or student support services.

GRADING STANDARDS/EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The instructor reserves the right to revise the grading criteria as appropriate and will
make reasonable attempts to notify students.
1. Assessments (300 points): There will be three assessments at 100 points each.
2. Final Evaluation (200 points)
3. MyEducationLab & Discussion Board (500 points.)
GRADING Scale (Total Points = 1000):
Assessment 1 (A1) = 100 points
(Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6)
Assessment 2 (A2) = 100 points
(Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10)
Assessment 3 (A3) = 100 points
(Chapters 11, 12, 13)
Final Evaluation (FE) = 200 points
MyEducationLab/Discussion Board (L/D) = 500 points
Assessments + MyEducationLab/Discussion Board + Final Evaluation x 100 = Final Grade
(Total Points= 100+100+100+200+500= 1000 points)
Example:
85(A1) + 90AE2) +86(A3) + 479(L/D) +180(FE) = 920 = .92
1000 total points
1000
.92 X 100 = 92% = AGrading Scale
93% - 100%
90% - 92%
86% - 89%
83% - 85%
80% - 82%
76% - 79%
70% - 75%
66% - 69%
63% - 65%
60% - 62%
59% - below

Total Points
=A
= A= B+
=B
= B= C+
=C
= D+
=D
= D=F

925-1000
895-924
855-894
825-854
795-824
755-794
695-754
655-694
625-654
595-624
594 and below

If you are a psychology major, you must earn at least a C in this course and all other
psychology courses.

Objective assessment results will be available on Blackboard after each assessment. It is

important to check your grade after submitting an online assessment to be sure that the
submission has been successful. Go to My Grades to check your grades. Grades for
assignments that require manual grading, such as discussion boards, will be posted within two
weeks. In addition, students are invited to receive individual feedback from the instructor.
Students will be continuously aware of their performance level (grade) in the class. Grades will
be posted on Blackboard.

You must be aware of the Blackboard grading key.

= means that nothing has been submitted. If you think you have submitted an assignment and
you still see a = in the gradebook, there is a problem and you need to e-mail the instructor
immediately.
means that the item must be graded by the instructor.
means that the item is still in progress. If in fact you have finished and attempted to submit
your responses and you see this symbol in the gradebook, there is a problem and you must email the instructor immediately. If you do not follow this procedure, you will not get credit for
your work. If you need to have an assessment or assignment unlocked, you still must submit
it by the due date. Make sure that you check your e-mail promptly for a response from the
instructor.
EXTRA CREDIT: Students will not have an opportunity to earn extra credit in this course.
LATE AND MISSED ASSIGNMENTS:
All assignments and assessments must be completed by their due dates. There is no make-up
for assignments, quizzes and assessments not submitted on time. As a result, zero points will
be recorded. If a student misses an assessment due to an emergency, the student has 48 hours to
contact the professor (see Absence from Assessments/Evaluations). All work must be
submitted through Blackboard according to the instructions with each item. Assignments
will not be accepted via email.
NSU CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY (FROM THE NSU CATALOG): The University
expects students to attend all classes. While absences are discouraged, the University recognizes
that, on occasion, students may have legitimate reasons for being absent. Thus, a student will be
permitted one unexcused absence per semester hour credit or the number of times a given class
meets per week. Once a student exceeds the number of allowed unexcused absences, an
instructor may require an official university excuse. Not more than 20% of class meetings
(excused and/or unexcused) may be missed by a student during a given semester. At the
discretion of the instructor, a student whose absences exceed 20% of scheduled class meetings
for the semester may receive a grade of F for the course.

Students have the responsibility to confer with their instructors regarding all absences or
intended absences. If sudden departure form the campus (for an emergency or extraordinary
reason) prevents a student from communicating with each of his or her instructors, the student is
expected to notify the Office of Student Services/Judicial Affairs within 48 hours.
Class excuses are issued for legitimate reasons (medical, funerals-immediate family members
only, official university business/activities, etc.) by the Office of Student Services/Judicial
Affairs. Official written documentation may be required. Notes from relatives, friends, etc., are
not accepted as official documentation for absences. The Office of Student Services/Judicial
Affairs will determine if an absence is legitimate and if an excuse will be issued.
Students who become ill are encouraged to report to the Student Health Center located in the
Spartan Station for minor medical treatment. A current NSU ID card must be presented prior
to treatment. Written verification of illness issued by the Health Center should be carried to the
Office of Student Services/Judicial Affairs, and an official University excuse should be obtained.
Students residing in on-campus housing facilities are governed by the same policies and
procedures as non-residential students insofar as class attendance and class excuses are
concerned.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Attendance/Class Participation
Students are expected to attend classes. In an on-line course, attendance is counted when you log
into the course and visit any section. It is necessary for you to log into the course on a daily
basis to keep up with assignments and class activities.
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: Students are expected to complete all course requirements
by the end of the semester. A grade of I may be assigned when the student has maintained a
passing average and good attendance but due to extenuating circumstances, is unable to complete
the course requirements. The decision to give an I is made by the instructor. Consideration
will be given based on the quantity of the unfinished work. At least 80% of the course
requirements must have been satisfactorily completed. It is the responsibility of the student to
make arrangements to make up the I grade. The instructor will set a time limit, usually no later
than midterm of the next semester, for the removal of the I. No student will be allowed to
graduate with an I on the record.
The grade of Incomplete may be assigned only if:
The student is currently passing the course
The student has completed at least 80% of the coursework
Both student and the professor have agreed to the conditions listed below:
1. A copy of the incomplete contract form must be signed by both student and the professor
and filed with the Retention Czar no later than three weeks after the I grade has been
reported by the Instructor on the Final Grade Report.
2. The student has until close of business on the Friday prior to midterm week of the
immediately following semester, excluding Summer, to complete and submit all course
work.

3. If the work is not successfully completed on or before the due date, a zero will be entered
for the missed assignment and the default grade as indicated on the contract form will be
the grade of record.
4. If the work is successfully completed within the time limit, the professor will submit a
copy of the contract form, with the applicable grade, to the registrar's office no later than
two weeks after the student has satisfied requirements of the contract.
ABSENCE FROM ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATIONS: If a student misses an
assessment/evaluation because of an emergency, he/she should notify the instructor and take the
assessment within 48 hours after the assessment/evaluation was scheduled. The highest grade
that can be earned on a make-up assessment is C.
ABSENCE FROM FINAL EVALUATION: If a student misses a final evaluation because of
an emergency, he/she must notify the instructor within 48 hours after the evaluation was
scheduled. Excuses for missing a final evaluation are issued by the Office of Student
Services/Judicial Affairs only with the consent of the instructor. Such excuses are given in
EXTREME EMERGENCIES, and official, written documentation MUST be presented before
an excuse is issued. The highest grade that can be earned on a make-up evaluation is C.
Failure to follow the procedure outlined for absence from the final evaluation will result in a
grade of F for the evaluation and a final grade will be computed and given for the course.
FINAL EVALUATION: The final evaluation will be given as scheduled in the University
Registration Booklet. Do not expect to take the final at any other time. Check the schedule
now to prevent conflicts with work, departures, etc. For this online course, it is usually due on
the Wednesday during final examination week.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STANDARDS
CONDUCT:
Plagiarism, cheating, and interruptions or disruption of teaching will result in consequences in
accordance with the student handbook. http://www.nsu.edu/studentaffairs/handbook.html
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Plagiarism and cheating will result in consequences in accordance
with the Student Handbook. http://www.nsu.edu/studentaffairs/handbook.html
E-MAIL POLICY: Students are expected to check their official NSU e-mail accounts daily.
This is important in order to stay current with this course and other University-related
communications. Report any problems with your email account to the Office of Information
Technology Help Desk at 823-8678.
When sending messages, use your NSU e-mail account and include the course title
(Psy-322-90) in your subject heading. In addition, a subject that identifies the content of your
message is important. Your message should include your name, ID number, and phone number.
Please use correct spelling and grammar. When referring to an earlier message, include it.

Urgent messages to Dr. Cooley-Doles also need to be accompanied by an office phone message
(823-9439).
You may access your NSU e-mail account by going to http://www.nsu.edu and clicking on Web
mail. Follow the instructions there. The professor will only send messages to your NSU e-mail
account and you must use your NSU e-mail account to send the professor a message. The
professor will not open anonymous e-mail so if you e-mail the professor from another
address, your message will be deleted without being read. My e-mail address is
jacooley@nsu.edu.
BLACKBOARD INSTRUCTIONS:
You may access the course by going to http://www.nsu.edu. Click on Blackboard and then
login. Your login ID is first initial followed by a period, your middle initial, followed by a
period, and your last name (example, m.a.smith) and your initial password is capital S and your
seven digit student identification number and $ (example S9876543$). If you have used
Blackboard before in another class and already changed your password, your password is the one
you chose. If not, change your password on your first visit to Blackboard.
If you are not familiar with how to use Blackboard, go to the NSU Website, click on ELearning, and then Student Resources. You are strongly encouraged to take the Self Evaluation
to evaluate your readiness for on-line instruction. You should also read the section on Student
Readiness. If you find that on-line instruction is not suitable for you, it may be better for you to
switch to a traditional classroom section of this course. Blackboard training is available. If you
still have problems or questions, contact the instructor or call the Help Desk at (757) 823-8678 or
call Blackboard Support at 823-2328 or email blackboardhelp@nsu.edu.
You will be completing your work independently by logging into Blackboard. For each topic,
you will find learning objectives and activities. You may access this material by clicking on the
weekly units.
Assignments are located in the weekly units. Each assignment will be due by the date indicated.
It is important that you log in daily to keep up with announcements, assignments and
assessments. Assignments will not be accepted via e-mail. All work must be submitted through
Blackboard according to the instructions with each item. Assignments sent via e-mail will not be
counted.
Required Software: Make sure that you have installed the required software for this course.
You must use MSWord (not Works) for written assignments. If you do not have access to
MSWord, save documents as file type rich text file. It is your responsibility to submit all
assignments correctly.
Browsers: MyEducationLab works faster with the Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
browsers.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) STATEMENT

In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, we ask
that you please contact the Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) Office
(757-823-8325; Student Services Center, Suite 110).

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT STATEMENT

As part of NSUs commitment to provide the environment and resources needed for success,
students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The
activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The
primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the universitys
programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students
will not be identified in the analysis of results. Unless indicated otherwise by the instructor,
results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES: Students who are having difficulty are encouraged to
seek extra help from the instructor. In addition, study groups are recommended. The Spartan
Success Center, 121 Bowser, offers a wealth of services such as tutoring and supplemental
instruction. In addition, tutors may be available in the Psychology Department.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES/ IMPORTANT RESOURCES:
Spartan Success Center: James Bowser Building, Rm. 121

823-8507

Writing Lab, Madison Hall (M. Cotter & D. Perry), Rm. 112

823-2836

Counseling Center:

New Student Services Center, Rm. 312

823-8173

Disability Services:

New Student Services Center, Suite 110

Assistive Technology, Library suite 1023

823-8325
823-2603

Career Services:

New Student Services Center, Suite 318

823-8462

Campus Police & Escort Service

823-8102; emergency, 823-9000; anonymous 823-2148
Mental Health Crisis Line
627-LIFE
RESPONSE
622-4300 (Sexual Assault Support Services)
YWCA Womens Domestic Violence Hotline: 625-5570
Spartan Health Center (Spartan Station)
623-3090
Student Support Services
823-8677
Audio/visual Services (Mr. O. Smith)
823- 2898
Audio/visual (Business/Mr. Malone)
823-2853 (room A-229 BMH)
NSU Information/Operator
823-8600
Office of Information Technology Help Desk 823-8678 (client services phone support)
Blackboard Phone support
823-2328; 823-8066; 823-2101
SUCCESS TIPS:

Study Habits: Please survey, question, read, recite, review and quiz
Students who receive a grade of D or lower at midterm are strongly encouraged to meet with
the instructor and to utilize the Spartan Success Center. Students who receive a C- in their
major course may be contacted by advisors in the Spartan Success Center.

Course Calendar
The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary. The course will include the
following chapters: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. You must click on each week in
Blackboard for assignments and course information.
January
Week 1, beginning January 13, 2014
Introduction
Week 2, beginning January 20, 2014
Chapter 1: The Purpose and Promise of Special Education
Week 3, beginning January 27, 2014
Chapter 4: Intellectual Disabilities
February
Week 4, beginning February 3, 2014
Chapter 5, Learning Disabilities
Week 5, beginning February 10, 2014
Chapter 6: Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
Week 6, beginning February 17, 2014
Assessment 1: Chapters 1,4,5,6 (Due 2/23/14)
Week 7, beginning February 24, 2014
Chapter 7: Autism Spectrum Disorders
March
Week 8, beginning March 3, 2014
Chapter 8: Communication Disorders
NSU Career Fair, 3/6/14, 10a.m.-2p.m, Student Center
Spring Break: March 10- 16, 2014

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Week 9, beginning March 17, 2014

Chapter 9: Deafness and Hearing Loss
Week 10, beginning March 24, 2014
Chapter 10: Blindness and Low Vision
Week 11, beginning March 31, 2014
Assessment 2: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10 (Due 4/6/14)
April
Week 12, beginning April 7, 2014
Chapter 11: Physical Disabilities, Health Impairments, and ADHD
Week 13, beginning April 14, 2014
Chapter 12: Low incidence Disabilities: Severe/Multiple Disabilities, Deaf-Blindness, and
Traumatic Brain Injury
Week 14, beginning April 21, 2014
Chapter 13: Gifted and Talented
Week 15, beginning April 28, 2014
Assessment 3: Chapters 11, 12, 13 (Due Friday, May 2)
December
Week 16, Final Examination Period
Final Evaluation
Must be completed by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Last Day to Drop a Course: Friday, 3/21/14

Exit Exam of Writing Competency: 823-2930
Last Day to Apply for May 2014 Graduation: 1/24/14
Registration for Fall 2014 Semester begins 3/3/14
Commencement: Saturday, 5/10/14
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those
who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Alvin Toffler
COURSE ENROLLMENT:
By the end of week two, the instructor will draw a line through the names of students on the class
roster who have not logged into the course and not visited any section, not completed any
assignments, and not contacted the instructor. The instructor will submit the class roster to the
department head for submission to the Office of the Registrar (Office of the Provost, Course
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Enrollment and Grade verification Policy).

Financial Aid: After a certain percentage of dropped courses, failed courses, and/or repeated
courses, a student will no longer be eligible for government sponsored financial aid (e.g., loans,
grants, scholarships). Please consult with your NSU financial aid advisor.

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