SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

Adult Learning Disabilities Program: Certificate of Academic Achievement

Justification: The program is being reduced from 20 units to 15 units for several reasons:

1). Two courses have consistently had the lowest enrollments for the past four series of courses: the “Foundations of Adult Learning Disabilities” course and the “Collaborative Approaches to Working with Adults with Learning Disabilities” course. Most students tend to have experience/equivalencies for these courses. The essential parts of these two courses, in addition to information that was previously taught in EDS 285 (“Strategies to Enhance Academic Skills in Adults with LD”), has been merged into the newly formed “Foundational Elements of Adult Learning Disability Intervention” course. Furthermore, putting this course online allows for the streamline of units.

2). The Adult Learning Disabilities Board has decided to be more in alignment with Title V minimum requirements from CA Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) for employment. A person needs 15 units of graduate work, preferably in the area of adult LD.

3). In order for students to be accepted into the CCCCO Eligibility Model Training, they are required to have 15 units in adult LD. This includes current course work in the assessment instruments being used.

4). The Adult Learning Disabilities Board has determined that the LD field at the post-secondary level is supportive of a 15 unit program that can be completed in a year (respectively) rather than a 20 unit program that takes longer than a year to complete.

COURSE CHANGES

EDS 280 - Foundations of Adult Learning Disabilities

Justification: Limited graduate coursework exists for training that covers adults with learning disabilities (LD) and the need for collaboration. Professional training is critically needed to meet the complex social, emotional and psychological issues of adults with LD. This class will incorporate key aspects from two previous courses to provide the framework and basic foundational underpinnings for other courses offered in the Certificate Program in Adult Learning Disabilities. This combined content will provide an opportunity to expand the understanding of the unique disability-related personal issues of the adult with LD.

Description: Explore and analyze the most common social, emotional and psychological problems of adults with learning disabilities (LD) impacting cognition and learning. Topics include: current definitions, characteristics of learning disabilities (LD), the impact of dual diagnosis, and the collaborative role of the LD specialist regarding issues of professional conduct, ethics, and legality. Differences will be examined between LD and other disability categories such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Developmentally Delayed Learners (DDL), etc. 2 units.

EDS 285 - Strategies to Enhance Academic Skills for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Justification: Limited graduate coursework is available for professional training in the areas of compensatory learning strategies in reading, writing, spelling, math, academic study skills and the use of assistive technologies to support adults with learning disabilities. This course is vital in preparation for meeting the varied demands of the diverse population of adult with learning disabilities. A variety of technologies and compensatory strategies to enhance teaching that promote learning opportunities and skill building for life-long learning for adults with learning disabilities will be explored.

Description: For adults with learning disabilities (LD), compensatory learning strategies are vital tools for success in the post-secondary academic arena and beyond. Learn to utilize the most effective teaching and learning strategies and review material and method for teaching adults with disabilities in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. Topics include: subtypes of learning disabilities; historical as well as current teaching approaches; formal and informal assessment methods; cognitive function as a basis of understanding learning behaviors and learning strategies; and current technologies available to enhance learning opportunities. Learn how to empower adults with LD with the ability to adapt commonly used learning skill into specific compensatory learning strategies to meet individual needs. 3 units.

COURSE DELETION

EDS 284 - Collaborative Approaches for Working with Adults with Learning Disabilities

Justification: Course content is infused with previous course EDS 280 “Foundations of Adult Learning Disabilities.” Please see proposal for new, combined course EDS 280 “Foundational Elements of Adult Learning Disability Intervention.”