Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Special Education Teacher

This course will take special education teachers through the tasks that are necessary for meeting needs of the students with disabilities successfully. The primary goal of this class is to provide pertinent and practical information for teaching in the special education field, whether it is a special education classroom or just needing assistance with inclusion for students with special needs in the classroom setting. Professionals will learn to identify resources to assist with establishing a productive and satisfying career as a special education teacher.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Recall the key principals of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
• Identify ten actions that will provide the foundation of your work as a special education teacher
• List key evidence-based practices in the different content areas
• Recognize strategies for managing the different roles and nonteaching responsibilities

Module 1 - The Basics

Module 2 - Becoming an Accomplished Educator

Module 3 - Approaching Instruction

Module 4 - Evidence Based Instruction

Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Special Education Teacher Module 1

The Basics

Module one begins with providing an overview of the path to a great start in your career. Subjects such as searching for the right position and interviewing for jobs. This module also outlines the actions for new educators to move towards becoming an accomplished and effective teacher.

• Snapshot for New Educators
• Careful Job Search
• The Team Approach
• Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Special Education Teacher Module 2

Becoming an Accomplished Educator

Now that you have learned and reviewed the basics, the course will focus on becoming an accomplished educator. It focuses more on the finer points of the profession such as collaboration, positive approach to behavior management, and motivating students.

• Organizing Work, Space, and Time
• Balancing the Tasks
• Collaboration
• Behavior Management
• Establishing High Expectations

Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Special Education Teacher Module 3 Approaching Instruction

In module three, you will focus on mastering effective practices. Throughout this module, there are discussions on how to improve your instruction and focus on key instructional ideas for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

• Improve Instruction
• Frameworks for Approaching Instruction
• Apply Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices
• Implementing Strategies

Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Special Education Teacher Module 4

Evidence Based Instruction

Module 4 will focus on putting all the pieces together using evidence-based practices to work with student with severe disabilities. Learning to implement these strategies will help you become an accomplished special education teacher.

• Students with Severe Disabilities
• Students with Significant Health Issues
• IDEA Services
• General Education Curriculum
• Lifelong Learning

No prerequisites required.

All materials included in course.

Internet Connection

• Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections

*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware Requirements

• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

PC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Windows 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2019 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player

MAC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Mac OS version 11 or higher
• Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Amazon Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• Apple QuickTime Media Player