CONT505: Special Education Part 2
This course offers educators an in-depth exploration of special education and inclusion, grounded in social justice, rights-based, anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, you will shift from deficit-based models to a social and rights-based understanding of inclusion. By critically examining your own preconceptions, biases and assumptions, you will transform your approach to supporting learners with special education needs in inclusive classrooms. You will finish the course with a deeper understanding of your role as an advocate for equity and inclusion, equipping yourself with the tools to create systemic change that honors the rights and dignity of all learners.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course, you will
- reflect critically on the educator's beliefs about inclusion
- examine the Ontario College of Teachers’ Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession as theoretical foundations within Special Education Part 2
- explore the human rights obligations and policies related to special education, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, (2006) and the United Nations General Comment No. 4 on Article 24 – The Right to Inclusive Education
- review theories and pedagogies of multiple forms of oppression as applied to special education programs and practices
- examine current research and literature associated with professional practices, policies and pedagogies in Special Education Part 2
- explore research on the historical impact of societal norms on special education
- assess a school's model of inclusion
- explore case studies and situations to shift perspectives from deficit-based to social and rights-based models
- transform approaches to supporting learners with diverse learning needs in inclusive educational settings
- develop a deeper understanding of the educator's role as an advocate for equity and inclusion
- create systemic change to uphold the rights and dignity of all learners
- analyze preconceived notions, biases and assumptions in special education
Assessments
Module 1
Special Education and Inclusion Frameworks
Module 2
Embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Special Education Policies and Guidelines
Module 4
A Strengths-Based Approach to Eliminating Barriers
Progress Update 2
Module 5
Effective Instruction and Assessment
Module 6
Collaborative Planning
Progress Update 3
Module 7
Consolidation and Reflection
Final Report