EDWN605 Special Education Law and Effective Practice (3 cr.)

This course reviews key state and federal legislation leading up to and including the previous Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and current Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This course examines the special education eligibility criteria with emphasis on the development and practical application of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students will determine which assessments to use to determine educational eligibility for special education and will participate in an assessment simulation using the Woodcock-Johnson IV Test of Academic Achievement and other assessments relevant to their area of concentration. Students will investigate a variety of proactive behavior management strategies and positive and productive communication skills that can be applied to teaching and learning.  

This course also examines the process of completing a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for a student at the student candidate’s declared certification subject area and age level.

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

1. Synthesize the impact that key state and federal legislation has on current special education processes and procedures including modifications, accommodations, related services and support needed to meet the needs of the child with disabilities. 

2. Identify, define, and apply the academic language used in special education.

3. Select assessment tools used for diagnosis of a disability and interpret data to determine learner strengths and needs.

4. Determine where and how a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) are applied in the development and implementation of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

5. Evaluate and select strategies to develop positive and productive human relations and increase conflict resolution skills that will contribute to an effective special education program.

6. Understand the components necessary to write a compliant IEP and write an IEP for a student at your declared certification area. 

7. Understand the components necessary to write a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for a student case study at their declared certification level.