Special Education
Teacher Assistant
(Continuing
Education)
Introduction to Inclusive Education
Students will examine the philosophical, organizational, and daily aspects of the school. They will discuss and reflect on the history of special education and current issues, with an emphasis on inclusive education. Students will examine their own values, beliefs, and attitudes in relation to their role in supporting students with special needs and teachers in the school community.
Working with Students
Students will explore the elements and process of effective instruction and the role of the teacher assistant within this process. They will investigate models of learning, including Multiple Intelligences Theory, and discuss how they apply to classroom practice. Students will apply strategies and positive approaches to supporting learners through classroom activities and participation.
Interpersonal Communication Skills - Level 1
Students will explore the principles and processes of effective interpersonal communication and the influences of self-concept, perception, and emotion. They will also develop an awareness of their own style of communicating. Students will be expected to achieve competency in areas of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Interpersonal Communication Skills - Level 2
Students will study and apply basic skills of effective interpersonal communication, and will analyze their own style of communicating. They will explore the dynamics of power, defensiveness, and conflict management and how these influence communication in relationships. Students will work to achieve competency in areas of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Change and Development: Childhood
Students will explore the human passage from conception through middle childhood. They will draw on theory and personal experience to investigate and reflect on child development, change, and diversity in relation to self and others.
Change and Development: Adolescence through Adulthood
Students will explore the human passage from adolescence through adulthood. They will draw on theory and personal experience to investigate and reflect on human development, change and diversity in relation to self and others.
Introduction to Diversity in Learners
Students will explore diversity in the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive aspects of learning, including specific disabilities. They will investigate patterns of diversity, generalized implications of specific disabilities, and how individual strengths and needs may be supported in the classroom.
Introduction to Practice as a Teacher Assistant
Students will examine professional ethics and the use of observation in human service practice. They will explore factors that influence observation, including their own values and preconceptions. Students will apply observation formats and record behavior in a variety of situations.
Practicum 1
Students will participate in a practicum that is a four-week, full-time experience in an elementary or secondary school setting. They will observe, assist, and work with children and/or adolescents requiring learning, behavioral, and/or physical support under the guidance and supervision of professional staff. Students will also participate in seminars to discuss self, theory and practice issues.
Health and Personal Care Support-Teacher Assistant
Students will explore healthier and personal care issues for children and adolescents with disabilities, and the role of the teacher assistant in supporting them. They will practice selected psychomotor skills necessary to provide healthier and personal care support.
Overview of Curriculum for Inclusive Schools
Students will examine the philosophy, goals, and content of curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. They will explore the philosophy of inclusive education and their role within the context of curriculum delivery. Principles of adapting and modifying curriculum will be applied to learning activities.
Practicum Two
Students will integrate and apply theoretical concepts from their course work in a final, four-week practicum that is a full-time experience in an elementary or secondary school setting. They will actively observe, assist, and work with children and/or adolescents requiring learning, behavioural, and/or physical support under the guidance and supervision of professional staff. Students will also participate in seminars to discuss self, theory, and practice issues.
