Unit outline_

EDUP4010: Principles and Practice for All Learners B

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The education of students with special education needs is the business of all teachers. This unit will further the study of policy and practices that assist teachers to cater for students with special needs through (a) examining strategies of how teachers can work together to address student need, and (b) how they can adjust their classroom practices to support challenging and difficult social behaviour. This unit will address issues and review current literatures about effective practices in catering for students with special education needs. At the completion of the unit students will be familiar with evidenced based approaches and whole school strategies for addressing the education outcomes for students with special education needs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 4
Prerequisites
? 
170 credit points including EDUP4009
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 Use of AI
Presentation In-class presentation
In-class presentation
25% Week 02
Due date: 15 Aug 2025 at 10:00
5 minutes (750 word equiv) AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Written work Cover Letter
Written file upload
25% Week 05
Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59
750 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Written work Professional Development Workshop
Written file upload
50% Week 09
Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59
1,500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Assessment summary

  • Exploring the Myths of Special Education: In Week 1 you will be select one of the 12 myths of special education. You will have 5 minutes to present on your agreement and/or disagreement of this myth. ​
  • Designing a Professional Development Workshop – Instructional Strategies: This assignment requires you create a professional development presentation for staff (plan for 1 hour duration) on one evidence-based instructional practice (you do not have to present it).
  • Cover Letter: This assignment requires you to write a 750 word cover letter in response to a job advertisement that will be posted to Canvas. Your cover letter should address the selection criteria listed in the advertisement through the use of examples. 

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 UOS Introduction, Special and Inclusive Education, and Your Special Education Toolbox Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 02 Presentation of assessment: "Exploring the Myths of Special Education" Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO7
Week 03 School Visit A Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO5 LO7
Week 04 Teachers and Researchers, Becoming a Reflective Practitioner, & Physical Learning Spaces Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Collaboration and Consultation & Principles of Codesign Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 06 School Visit B Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Explicit and Systematic Instruction & Planning, Programming, and Transition Across the Curriculum Tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Teachers as Leaders & Ongoing Professional Development Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7

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 at the discretion of the unit of study coordinator. 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 4 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 80-100 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List tab available on 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. critically analyse literature in relation to inclusive practices that cater for the needs of students with special education needs
  • LO2. analyse a range of models for whole school approaches to catering for the diverse needs of students
  • LO3. demonstrate skills of collaboration when working with peers
  • LO4. demonstrate skills of curriculum analysis across all the syllabus areas
  • LO5. evaluate differing models of behaviour support in terms of their theoretical assumptions and research evidence
  • LO6. demonstrate an understanding of skills in assessment, strategies in behaviour change, and adjusting the environment to change behaviour
  • LO7. reflect on professional practices in catering for the diverse needs of students.

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
6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
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.
LO4
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.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
LO5
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.
4.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
LO6
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.
4. Professional Practice: Standard 4 - Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
4.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student learning.
5.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
5.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.
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.
6.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1 A (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.4.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.1.1 A (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
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.

Weeks that assignments are due are later this year to allow for greater opportunities for teaching and learning before assessment.

It is a requirement that all assignments are attempted in this unit of study. 

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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