Explore the intricate world of special education and empower yourself as an informed, confident advocate in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This 16-week course deepens understanding of legal foundations, disability categories, inclusive practices, progress monitoring, behavior supports, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), MTSS, culturally responsive collaboration, and transition planning. Teachers will gain practical tools for Actively participating in IEP meetings, Implementing accommodations and modifications, Designing differentiated instruction, Collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams, Using data to inform instructional decisions.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain and apply the legal foundations of special education, including IDEA, FAPE, LRE, Section 504, and ADA, and critically evaluate how these mandates guide instructional decisions, placement considerations, and professional responsibilities within the IEP process.
• Analyze and design instruction aligned to IEP components, including PLAAFP, measurable goals, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring practices, while maintaining high expectations and access to grade-level curriculum.
• Develop and justify behavior and transition support plans grounded in Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), MTSS, and positive behavioral intervention principles to promote student engagement, independence, and long-term success.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams by preparing for and participating in IEP meetings, communicating student strengths and needs clearly, and engaging families and colleagues in solution-oriented problem solving.
• Critically examine issues of disproportionality, implicit bias, and systemic inequities in special education and articulate a professional advocacy stance that promotes inclusive, ethical, and culturally responsive practice.