Fall 2026

EDUC 2301-1D

Introduction to Special Populations

Course Information

Department
GEDS
Instructor
Davis, Shelley
Description
An enriched integrated pre-service course and content experience providing an overview of schooling and classrooms from the perspectives of language, gender, socio-economic status, ethnic and academic diversity and equity with emphasis on factors that facilitate learning. The course provides students with opportunities to participate in early field observations of P-12 special populations. Course content is aligned as applicable with State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards. Must include a minimum of 16 contact hours of field experience in P-12 classrooms with special populations.
Last Updated
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 9:01 AM
Course Syllabus
Published Structured Syllabus

EDUC 2301-1D

Introduction to Special Populations
Term
Fall 2026
Instructor
Davis, Shelley
Department
GEDS
Meeting Pattern
10:30 AM - 11:05 AM

Instructor Information

Instructor: Shelley Davis


Email: davissa@lamarpa.edu


Phone:


Office Location and Hours: email


Additional Contact Information:

Course Description

EDUC 2301: An enriched pre-service course emphasizing diversity, equity, and pedagogy with required 16 contact hours of field experience in P–12 classrooms with special populations. Students must pass a criminal background check to participate in field experience. Failure to provide documentation during the first week of class will result in being dropped.

Required Textbook & Materials

Teachers, Schools, and Society, 10th Edition

  • David Miller Sadker, University of Arizona, Professor Emeritus, American University
  • Karen R. Zittleman, Ph.D., American University


Textbook Purchasing Statement

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional Materials/Resources


Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

None

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Identify current issues influencing the field of education and teacher professional development.
  • Analyze the culture of schooling and classrooms from perspectives of diversity and equity.
  • Provide examples from classroom observations and activities that demonstrate understanding of pedagogy and professional responsibilities.
  • Evaluate personal motivations, philosophies, and career decision-making factors.
  • Recognize multiple intelligences and learning styles to apply instructional practices that meet diverse needs.


Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Communication Skills: Effective written, oral, and visual communication.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others and consider multiple perspectives.
  • Social Responsibility: Engagement with intercultural competency and civic knowledge.
  • Personal Responsibility: Connecting choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.


Lecture Topics Outline

Chapter 2: Different Ways of Learning

Chapter 3: Teaching Your Diverse Learners

Chapter 5: Purpose of America’s Schools and the Current Reform Movement

Chapter 7: History of American Education

Chapter 8: Philosophy of Education

Chapter 12: Your First Classroom

Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1: Aug 25 – Sept. 4

Topic: Course Overview

To Do:

  • Get textbook and review Blackboard course info
  • Print course documents
  • Begin setting up classroom observations

Week 2: Sept.7-18

Topic: Chapter 2: Different Ways of Learning

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 2
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #1
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Sept 6 by midnight)
  • Review, define, and understand educational vocabulary and terms (not due, but on exam)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Begin working toward 16 observation hours

Week 3: Sept. 14-25

Topic: Chapter 3: Teaching Your Diverse Learners

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 3
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #2
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Sept 13 by midnight)
  • Vocabulary review (not due)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Keep teacher log signed, take notes, and create seating charts

Week 4: Sept 28-Oct. 9

Topic: Chapter 5: Purpose of America’s Schools and the Current Reform Movement

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 5
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #3
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Sept 20 by midnight)
  • Vocabulary review (not due)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Continue observation hours

Week 5: Oct. 19-30

Topic: Chapter 7: History of American Education

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 7
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #4
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Sept 27 by midnight)
  • Vocabulary review (not due)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Continue observation hours

Week 6: Nov. 2-13

Topic: Chapter 8: Philosophy of Education

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 8
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #5
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Oct 4 by midnight)
  • Vocabulary review (not due)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Continue observation hours

Week 7: Nov. 16-Dec. 4

Topic: Chapter 12: Your First Classroom

To Do:

  • Read Chapter 11
  • Use PowerPoint to guide readings
  • Read Case Study #6
  • Answer Focus Questions (Due Sun, Oct 11 by midnight)
  • Vocabulary review (not due)
  • Respond to Blackboard discussion prompt
  • Finish observation journal

Week 8: Dec. 7-16

Topic: Final Exam Week / Observation Completion


Final Exam Date

Final Exam - December 15

Grading Scale

Grading Scale: A=90–100, B=80–89, C=79-75, D=74-70, F=69 and below

Determination of Final Grade

Assignments/Observations- 60%

Discussions- 10%

Presentations- 10%

Tests- 20%rading Scale: A=90–100, B=80–89, C=79-75, D=74-70, F=69 and below

Instructor Policies

Policies while on campus include:

Dress Code and Appearance

Follow professional dress standards: Wear business casual clothing like slacks, collared shirts, blouses, or professional dresses. Do not wear jeans with holes, sweatpants, yoga pants or graphic t-shirts.

Cover visible tattoos: Keep tattoos covered by long sleeves or pants while on a school campus.

Keep piercings minimal: Remove facial piercings or switch them to clear retainers, except for standard ear piercings.

Professional Conduct on Campus

Arrive early and check in: Sign in at the main office immediately upon arriving at the school. Always wear your visitor badge.

Stay out of the way: Sit in the designated observation area. Do not disrupt the teacher's lesson or interrupt student activities unless invited to join.

Limit cell phone use: Keep your phone on silent and completely put away. Never use your phone for personal texting, social media, or phone calls during observation hours.

Communicate absences properly: Notify both your host teacher and your college instructor immediately if an emergency forces you to miss a scheduled observation day.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Protect student identity: Never use real names of students

No photos or videos: Do not take pictures or record videos of the classroom, the teacher, or the students under any circumstances. Never post students on social media. 

Keep observations private: Do not discuss classroom incidents or student behavior on social media or with anyone outside of your college course.

Attendance Policy


Additional Information


MyLSCPA

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

ADA Considerations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

Facility Policies

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

HB 2504

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.