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Unit of study_

EDMT5010: Special and Inclusive Education

Semester 1a, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote

This unit addresses mandatory requirements to be met by every graduate pre-service teacher. It provides an introduction to the field of special and inclusive education. It also introduces students to the relevant policy and legislation, and issues related to classroom diversity, effective teaching practices and behaviour support. Emphasis is given to the concepts of addressing diversity in classrooms and schools, attitudes towards students with disabilities and additional support needs, and teaching strategies promoting inclusive whole-school and classroom environments.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDMT5010
Academic unit Education
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ilektra Spandagou, ilektra.spandagou@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Group Task
Presentations in seminars in Weeks 5 and 6
30% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Online submission
See Canvas site for details
30% Week 04
Due date: 22 Mar 2021 at 23:59
650 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Professional statement
See Canvas site for details
40% Week 08
Due date: 29 Apr 2021 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online submission – The submission of a short online blog discussing how disability is represented in a film, television program, book, etc. of your choice. 

Group Task – Group presentations on the educational implications of a number of impairments/conditions. Opportunities for preparation group work in class will be available in tutorials. 

Professional Statement – The submission of a professional statement on your philosophy, learning and future practice in addressing the needs of all students, including students with disability. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the unit’s Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

This unit of study follows ‘meets requirements’/ ‘doesn’t meet requirements’ grading. A rubric for the assessment criteria is available on the Canvas site for the unit. 

In order to meet the overall requirements of this unit of study, all assignments need to be completed; and to ‘meet requirements’ in at least two assignments with one of them being the Professional Statement. 

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 Introduction to the unit of study: Key terms and an introduction to disability Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Disability, diversity and inclusion; Appropriate use of language, and the significance of cultural representations of disability Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Special and inclusive education: Historical perspectives and legislation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
What is discrimination?; Anti-discrimination legislation and its implications for special and inclusive education Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Introducing Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Principles and practice of planning for all Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Universal design and accessibility; Applying the principles of UDL: implications for practice Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 04 Student engagement: Principles and practices Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Fostering student engagement in classrooms and schools Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 An introduction to behaviour support Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Functions of behaviour: Yours and that of your students Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 06 Collaboration fundamental principles Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Special and inclusive education: The role of the teacher, family and the school community Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4

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 may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

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. Demonstrate their knowledge of the historical developments and current theoretical perspectives of the fields of special education and inclusive education
  • LO2. Demonstrate knowledge of international, national and state legislation and policy related to disability, special and inclusive education, and behaviour support
  • LO3. Critically engage with issues of social justice, human rights and attitudinal and environmental barriers
  • LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of classroom diversity, including cognitive, sensory, physical and emotional needs of students
  • LO5. Engage with the concepts of universal access, planning and instruction
  • LO6. Demonstrate an awareness of student engagement and the principles underpinning a range of behaviour support models

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 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.
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
LO4
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.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
LO5
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.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
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.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
LO6
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.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
4.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
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.
1.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
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.
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.
4.4.1 A (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
6.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.

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

This is a 3 credit point unit at the very beginning of the degree. In Unit of study Evaluations (USS) consistently students commented positively on the content, overall organisation of the course, and the presentation materials. This year particular attention has been given in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage with the unit, activities and group work regardless of the mode of attendance.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

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.