SPEC 657 - Comparative Development & Positive Behavior Supports

Credits 3
This course explores both typical and atypical child development with a significant focus on cognition and language and the relationships between the two systems. Candidates will learn to demonstrate applied knowledge of typical and atypical child development, understanding young children's strengths and challenges across developmental (i.e., language and communication, social-emotional, cognition, adaptive/self-help, and motor) and curricular domains. The course presents language as a social pragmatic process, and communication as a complex system which impacts behavior, performance, and quality of life. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of children's language development across disabilities and the life span including communication skills, social pragmatics, the hierarchy of brain-based learning skills (e.g., executive functioning) and vocabulary/semantic development as they relate to the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills. This course also promotes an understanding of the ethical, moral, and theological implications of peacemaking and in developing a comprehensive classroom management plan. Candidates will reflect on their classroom disposition and develop a teaching disposition philosophy that fosters community and acceptance for all students.
May not be audited.