EDS730 Special Education and Diverse Learners (3 cr.)

The focus of this course is to develop leadership skills to promote, create, and monitor systems in the school and district that result in a nondiscriminatory, positive learning environment for all students. Special emphasis is given to culturally, economically, and academically diverse students. The processes, requirements, and legal foundations for referral, assessment, and eligibility for special needs covered by federal laws are examined.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Articulate leadership strategies to work with diversity in learning communities.
2. Analyze differing needs of culturally, economically, and academically diverse students.
3. Create plans for an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students.
4. Develop strategies to adapt educational programming that meets the needs of diverse constituencies.
5. Analyze laws and rules guiding referral and due processes.
6. Explain and facilitate special education program development.