Special Education: Foundations of Special Ed

Examination of historical and current trends in the treatment of individuals with disabilities including effects of discrimination, advocacy, litigation, legislation and economic considerations on educational services and community inclusion. Prerequisite: Twelve hours in education and related areas or Instructor permission.

SPED, CI, or CNSL Master's students only, or Instructor Permission. Meets asynchronously online. Open to degree and PACE students

This course examines the legal and ethical issues embedded in the provision of special education services to individuals with disabilities and their families. The course addresses the historical treatment of people with disabilities from a service delivery model perspective. Significant legislation and court decisions will be addressed along with current special education legal requirements. Specific attention will be given to ways in which disability may be viewed as a form of diversity. Additionally, important frameworks and concepts including social construction of disability, self-determination, inclusion, collaboration with diverse families and person-centered planning will be explored. The course will also embed understanding of these concepts within the framework of Vermont’s Educational Support System model, Multi-tiered System of Support and Universal Design as a way to examine the ways in which all students can have their learning needs met in general education settings.

Students are expected to use Brightspace and email regularly. In addition the instructor will utilize varied assessment formats and strategies.

Assignments, project(s), a final assessment, and attendance and participation