Special Education 101: Key Topics

Explore key topics in special education to empower your teaching or efforts advocating to master key topics.

What you'll learn

Understand the large and big picture issues in special education to help ground and focus your work.

Learners will explore protections of rights of students with disabilities.

Explore strategies for inclusive education: Learners will explore the elements of special education.

Learn how to support students with individualized education plans (IEPs): Learners will gain insight into the process of creating and implementing IEPs.

Learn how to collaborate with others to support professional development of special educator.

Learn about evaluations, accommodations, positive supports, and the key areas of special education compliance.

Requirements

No experience needed.

Description

Explore the key topics in special education to better understand the "how" and "why" for creating the IEP and implementing key strategies for students. Develop a big picture grounding to support ou in spotting key compliance issues and to better explain special education to peers and colleagues in the school setting. Work through challenging topics with confidence. Explain the difference between accommodations and modifications, and more importantly, describe their purposes. Develop baseline knowledge of parental consent and key due process  procedures. Access a wide array of resources to access as needed while you are engaging in your work. Special education teacher training often focuses on theory and history - learn the practical concepts you need to know and have confidence in to be a professional or parent advocate in this work. Learn about positive supports and least restrictive environment. Develop a baseline of key areas to include an an IEP. Move beyond "freezing" to action, when you understand that strong parental communication and collaboration can prevent many of the pitfalls in this work. Ease your stress and plan for the evaluation timelines. Know how to use the vocabulary and concepts to visit with your colleagues and parents, who may not have your expertise.  Note, this course is not intended to provide you with specific legal advice. Consult with your school for specific advice and for any legal advice needed through an attorney. This course is designed to give you a high level overview to empower you with a knowledge of the key areas of special education compliance.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Special Education and Course Overview

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Special Education Inclusion and Least Restrictive Environment

Lecture 2 Breaking Barriers: Inclusion in Special Education

Section 3: Accomodations and Modifications

Lecture 3 Accommodations and Modifications

Section 4: Comprehensive Evaluations in Special Education

Lecture 4 Comprehensive Evaluations

Section 5: Timelines in Special Education

Lecture 5 Timelines in Special Education

Section 6: Assistive Technology

Lecture 6 Assistive Technology

Section 7: Prior Written Notice and Consent: Meaningful Parent and Guardian Engagement

Lecture 7 Prior Written Notice and Consent: Know the Big Issues without Overwhelm

Section 8: Modifications

Lecture 8 Modifications

Section 9: Due Process Rights

Lecture 9 Due Process Overview

Section 10: Positive Behavior Supports

Lecture 10 Positive Behavior Supports

Section 11: Compliance Issues in Special Education

Lecture 11 Compliance Issues You May See

Section 12: Manifestation Determination Meetings

Lecture 12 Manifestation Determinations

Section 13: Developing an IEP

Lecture 13 IEP Components: at your pace

Individuals exploring special education careers, new special education teachers, parents of children living with disabilities, teachers.