Foundations of Special Education in the World Language Classroom

This graduate-level course examines the intersection of special education and world language instruction in proficiency-based classrooms. While world language teachers are legally responsible for implementing IEP and 504 accommodations, many receive limited preparation in translating special education policy into communicative instructional practice. This course bridges that gap.

Participants will develop foundational knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and disability categories most frequently encountered in secondary classrooms. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how cognitive, linguistic, and executive functioning differences intersect with second language acquisition. Through case analysis, IRIS modules, research-based readings, and structured application tasks, participants will examine accommodations, modifications, specially designed instruction, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as they apply specifically to interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational tasks.

All coursework is practice-embedded. Participants will adapt real lessons and assessments from their own teaching contexts and culminate the course with the design of an inclusive mini-unit that integrates legal compliance, equitable assessment, and World-Readiness Standards alignment. The course prepares educators to advance equity, access, and rigor in world language education.

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.