Teaching Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings

Catalog description

Participants will explore the benefits and challenges of creating and maintaining classrooms designed to incorporate students with disabilities in the general education environment for part, or all, of their program. Educating students who have learning disabilities, behavior disorders, mild intellectual disabilities will be our primary focus -- though we will also inevitably address issues related to individuals with other disabilities. The course will examine educational theories and historical practices that have led to an increased emphasis on “collaborative education” to serve students with disabilities. We will pay particular attention to the role of special educators in collaborative programs, including aspects of curriculum, instructional adaptations and modifications, classroom management, interpersonal and “inter-professional” relationships. Above all, the course aims to equip all educators with practical strategies for a flexible approach towards teaching and working within diverse educational structures for students with disabilities Though classroom environments may vary, it is imperative that all educators continue to design and implement specialized instruction when appropriate. Course will include 25 hours of field work with focus on students with disabilities.Will examine educational theories & historical practices that have led to an increased emphasis on “collaborative education” to serve students with disabilities. Equips educators with strategies for a flexible approach towards teaching diverse educational structures for students with disabilities.