Foundations of Special Education in the Classroom

This one unit, 15-hour online course provides educators with a broad introduction to special education, exceptional learners, and effective instructional practices for students with disabilities and diverse learning styles. The course is designed for teachers across all content areas and grade levels who want to strengthen their understanding of learner variability, disability categories, inclusive classroom practices, accommodations, modifications, and instructional supports.

The course is divided into three subtopics: Foundations of Special Education, Understanding Learner Variability and Disability Categories, and Inclusive Instructional Practices. In Foundations of Special Education, participants will explore key terminology, the special education process, legal and ethical responsibilities, and the roles of schools, teachers, families, and communities in supporting students with disabilities. In Understanding Learner Variability and Disability Categories, participants will examine high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities, physical/health impairments, and giftedness. In Inclusive Instructional Practices, participants will apply course concepts to classroom planning by exploring accommodations, modifications, Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, differentiation, and strategies that support access, engagement, and success for diverse learners.

The course features readings, videos, case-based reflection, discussion board activities, and a final application project in which participants redesign or develop a lesson to better support students with disabilities and diverse learning styles.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: 

All Idioma courses receive letter grades. 

As soon as you are granted course access, please review the syllabus for any required textbooks.

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR COURSE MATERIALS: 

Within 1-2 business days of your Ashland registration, you will receive an email from your course content provider, Idioma, containing instructions on how to access your course materials. A note, their emails are sometimes forwarded to junk or spam folders. 

You will be working with Idioma, through their Learning Management System, to complete the course, after which, your instructor will record your grade on your AU transcript. We will notify you by email once this is done, with instructions on how to view and order transcripts. 

Ashland Professional Development: pds@ashland.edu