Special Education

Special Education Part 1 provides an introduction and overview of the characteristics of students identified as exceptional and students who require modifications and/or accommodations based on their learning needs.

This course will help teachers develop skills and knowledge in the design, delivery, programming, and assessment of special education.

Teachers will gain knowledge of various exceptionalities, Ontario Ministry of Education and Ontario College of Teachers legislation, curriculum policy documents, and other Ministry of Education policies.

This course is open to all elementary and secondary school teachers who have a basic qualification in general studies or technological studies.

This course is a prerequisite for teachers assigned to a special education class, or as a special education resource teacher.

• Module 1: Foundations of Special Education in Ontario - Policy and Perspectives
• Module 2: Using Assessment to Inform Programming
• Module 3: The IEP and IPRC Processes
• Module 4: Current Pedagogy
• Module 5: Modern Perspectives about Equity

Special Education Part 2 continues to develop skills and knowledge of teachers in the design, delivery, programming, and assessment of special education.

This course will support the expectations outlined in the Ministry of Education curriculum policy documents as well as other Ministry of Education policies and support documents.

This course is open to all elementary and secondary teachers who have a basic qualification in general studies or technological studies, and who have completed Special Education Part I and one year of successful teaching experience.

• Module 1: Policy, Law and Regulation
• Module 2: Examining Special Education Board Standards
• Module 3: The Stages of Transition
• Module 4: The Power of Assessment
• Module 5: The Identification, Placement and Review Committee Process

Specialist

Special Education Specialist provides participants the ability to extend and apply skills and knowledge in Special Education programs and services.

This course will develop leadership skills and knowledge of teachers in the design, delivery, programming, and assessment of special education.

This course will support the expectations outlined in the Ministry of Education curriculum policy documents as well as other Ministry of Education policies and support documents.

This course provides participants with an in depth knowledge of the field of special education with a focus on developing leadership and advocacy skills.

Participants will explore Ministry directions and issues facing special education in Ontario. Opportunities will be provided for the critical analysis of current programming, legislation, regulations, policies, and ethical issues.

This will culminate in a practical leadership experience that will demonstrate the candidate’s interest in and commitment to leadership in special education.

This course is open to all elementary and secondary teachers who have a basic qualification in general studies or technological studies and who have completed Special Education Part 2 and two years of successful teaching experience, including one year in special education.

• Module 1: A Call to Leadership
• Module 2: Legislation, Policy and Funding
• Module 3: Placements, Programs and Services
• Module 4: The IEP and IPRC: A Critical Approach
• Module 5: Modernizing Special Education