EDU 214 - Introduction to Special Education

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Diversity Requirement. This course meets the Technology Requirement.

Identify the categories of special education and the characteristics of special learners. Analyze the diverse needs of special education students and application of appropriate instructional adaptations. Examine the historical overview of special education legislation and legal issues.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 133 or a bachelor’s degree.

Location(s) Typically Offered: Online (OL)

Term(s) Typically Offered: All terms

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify the general characteristics of individuals with specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical and health disabilities, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and students considered gifted and/or talented.
Identify inclusive instructional approaches such as Response to Intervention (RtI), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Direct Instruction (DI), and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) to differentiate instruction in the least restrictive environment.
Explain the historical and legal evolution of providing education for individuals with special needs.
Describe the procedures for identification, assessment, eligibility, and placement of students with special needs.
Describe the range of resources, early intervention, related services, and assistive technologies available for students with special needs.
Describe the legal rights and responsibilities of schools, families, students, teachers, and other professionals related to the education of students with special needs.
Explain Individualized Educational Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Transition Plan (ITP), and 504 Plan.
Analyze and use data derived from assessments to develop intervention plans aligned to the specific needs of individual students.