This subject focuses on the theory and practice underlying special education and is designed to assist teachers in developing positive and inclusive learning experiences for students. It explores exceptionalities, teaching strategies and competencies, legislative underpinnings, program planning, the learning environment and other issues related to teaching and learning with special needs students in inclusive classrooms. Teachers will enhance their skills by combining their knowledge of student development and learning with their understanding of the strengths and needs of students identified as exceptional. The program integrates field experiences with theoretical ideas while fostering skills of inquiry and scholarship.
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.
SY/US
One session
Ontario School of Education
Ontario College of Teachers accredited teachers only.
* Understanding the theoretical and legislative underpinnings of special education in Ontario
* Understanding the continuum of various service delivery models such as integration and inclusion, resource room withdrawal, self-contained programs, provincial demonstration schools as they evolved in the development of special education in Ontario
* Knowledge of the various categories and definitions of exceptionalities
* Understanding special education as an equity issue
* Developing an awareness of a broad range of curriculum and delivery models and differences between 'modification' and 'accommodation' and the implications for program development and implementation
* Program development, planning and implementation: developing an Individual Education Plan
* Having an awareness of how to identify a student as 'exceptional'
* Developing and employing instructional and assessment strategies based on the individual learning needs of students
* Managing and documenting information that is pertinent for critical review, IPRCs, transitions and referrals
* Establishing an accepting, safe, and enabling community of learners
* Practicing a variety of age and exceptionality-specific teaching strategies
* Understanding, respecting and being empathetic to parents' knowledge and perspectives and communicating effectively with them
* Accessing and using adaptive and assistive information technology to support student learning
* Promoting peer relationships and self management in students in order to foster independence and self esteem
For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:
The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.