This course will explore the historical and current trends in treatment of individuals with disabilities, including the effects of litigation, legislation, economic consideration in education, career education, and residential service delivery systems. This course will also address the role of the special educator and the basis of special education practice in the public school formed by required special education processes, current models and theories. Specifically this course will address the following themes:
- Current issues in the fields of general education and special education including ethical and legal requirements of the six major principles of the IDEA.
- Role, including all legal responsibilities, of the special education case manager when working with students with disabilities in a public school.
- Legal procedures governing referral, evaluation, eligibility determination, program planning, related services and the continuum of placements for students with disabilities.
- Federal and state regulations promoting involvement, participation and support of the student, family and classroom teacher in the special education process, including interagency relationships.
- Goals of VT’s Act 117 and the role of special education and Section 504 in the Educational Support System of the public school.
- Cultural and ethical issues surrounding a student with disabilities within the family and community environments, including the concepts of self-determination and self-advocacy.