This introductory course is designed to provide participants with an overview of special education.  Participants will be introduced to a historical perspective as well as issues currently facing students, parents, and educators. Participants will also be exposed to the concepts surrounding the terms used to identify exceptionalities. Through readings, reflective opportunities, lectures, and discussions, students will have the opportunity to challenge their belief systems and redefine their perceptions and attitudes regarding special education.  Participants will be able to:

• Describe the various components of special education (including the populations, processes, programming continuum, and governing laws/regulations);
• Interpret the issues that affected the history of special education, such as an exclusionary past, separate is not equal, and equal protection or lack thereof;
• Interpret the concepts that define different exceptionalities; and
• Assess their belief system with regard to the expectation that all students can learn at high standards.