ED 340 - Teaching in Inclusive PK-6 Classrooms

Thoughtfully designing curriculum and general education environments that honor all students’ strengths and weaknesses, including those with severe disabilities, is the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding aspect of a teacher’s job. Educators are held to a high standard by law to provide all students with an equal opportunity to succeed and to accommodate for individual learning needs. This responsibility is one of the most exciting challenges in our educational practice and the aspect that separates mediocre teachers from exceptional teachers. The purpose of this course is to provide participants with efficient yet powerful research-based strategies to be prepared to support and honor all of the learners in their future classrooms. Defining what it means to “include” students as well as what it means to “honor” them are ethical constructs that will be reflected upon each time we meet in class. Our goal will be to hone our skills to assess and educate all learners and at the same time, develop a well-defined credo of the beliefs we establish regarding inclusive practices. Topics of study include: disability awareness, special education law and practices, curriculum and classroom design, and social-emotional learning strategies. This course includes two one-hour tutoring sessions per week with elementary students.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites/Restrictions: ED-231 and ED-251 and ED-300 and ED-325 and ED-335 and Prior Completion of or Concurrent Enrollment in ED-339; Education Majors/Minors Only; Juniors and Seniors Only.

Notes: Includes a weekly field-placement in a local school.