Course Description:
This course is an introduction to special education including an overview of historical/legal foundations, special education law procedures, individualized education programs (IEPs), and exceptionalities in childhood. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature of learning disorders (learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, speech/language disorders, and developmental disabilities). This course is for graduate students in special education, school psychology, school counseling, and related disciplines.

The content of this course satisfies core requirements of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and other related organizations. The course also will help the future special educator satisfy certain competency requirements of the State of Washington for the special education endorsement. Within this course are activities which are designed to achieve the goals of the College of Education’s Organizing Theme and the Mission Statement of the Special Education Program. This course addresses and evaluates students on the knowledge and skill competencies of the endorsement in special education as addressed in the Special Education Handbook.