Introduction to Special Education

This course will include the history of special education including federal and state legislation. Candidates will identify, describe, and define the characteristics of students with high and low incidence disabilities. The candidates will differentiate between accommodations and modifications for students, appropriate instructional settings, as well as strategies for instruction. The identification process for students with disabilities will be learned as well as the importance of IDEA and its significance in the education of students with disabilities. The candidates will gain an understanding of the components of the Individual Education Program and the function of the IEP in educating students with disabilities. The course will also introduce candidates to the continuum of educational placements for students with disabilities, mainstreaming, current issues and special topics.