This course is designed to provide a broad overview of Special Education and 504 history and processes. No matter how you are engaged in the educational setting, what grade level you are teaching, and your expertise, chances are you have Special Education or 504 students you are working with.  This course will serve as a foundational introduction so that you will understand the special education and 504 processes, allowing you to become a meaningful part of your student's educational experiences. Specifically, you will outline ways you support the special education process and, in turn, your students based on your expertise. 

We will examine history and policy changes throughout the years to ensure you have a strong foundation in what past practices and adjustments have led us to the current process. You will learn about Child Find, RTI, and the MTSS process, which will determine the next steps in the evaluation process. This will help ensure clarity about why some students do not get evaluated.  To ensure you are an informed team member and understand why students do or do not qualify for special education, We will review the 13 eligibility categories for special education and/or how a 504 may be implemented. We will review the components of an IEP, including present levels, special considerations, goals, accommodations/modifications, services, and the least restrictive environment.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain the various laws that have determined how we currently practice special education and 504s.
• Describe the process that takes place leading up to a comprehensive evaluation.
• Analyze 13 special education eligibility criteria and the commonalities/differences.
• Explain how students may or may not qualify for special education.