SPED 616 - Using Assessment to Inform Instruction

3 hours
Accurate assessment and diagnosis guide the curriculum and instruction in the classroom for students with special needs. It also enables the special education teacher to effectively identify student strengths and weaknesses, target developing skills, and foster academic growth. Teacher candidates engage in the examination of the major principles of assessment; demonstrate understanding of the legal aspects of the evaluation of students with special needs as well as analyze, select, and interpret appropriate assessments for students with special needs. Candidates also develop understanding of normreferenced and curriculum-based assessments and how such tests can be used in establishing student goals and benchmarks. Candidates design instruction that meets learners’ needs within the least restrictive environment, as well as evaluate learning strategies and instructional approaches. This course includes 10 hours of field experience, which involves administering, evaluating, and applying the results gathered from assessments. Prerequisite(s): SPED 611. GR