Course Descriptions

EDU 230 - Introduction to Special Education

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the role of special education in supporting students with disabilities from infancy through late adolescence. It will examine services, placement settings, and instructional approaches, as well as the supports and collaborative efforts with other professionals involved in the educational process. Additionally, the course will cover classification and documentation procedures. Participants will have opportunities to critically analyze the models, theories, and legislation that have shaped the historical development of special education, along with contemporary approaches to inclusive classroom practices.

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze how models of disability and historical legislation have shaped educational practices and policies, and evaluate their impact on inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
2. Identify the primary characteristics of each of the 13 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) categories of disability as they relate to the process of diagnosis and classify each category as high- or low-incidence.
3. Analyze the key components of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and develop a cohesive educational plan that aligns services, settings, supports, and professional roles to the needs of a PK-12 student.
4. Develop specific instructional strategies that connect to the strengths and needs of a focal family or student.
5. Evaluate student needs to develop differentiated, research-based instructional strategies and supports for inclusion into a lesson plan.

Course Offered Fall; Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Spring Semester 2025
Summer Session 2025