CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND INTRO TO RESEARCH

The purpose of this graduate level course is to prepare Masters Degree candidates to be well-informed special educators by investigating current trends and issues in special education, and some of their historical roots. A core set of topics will be explored in depth that could build toward leadership in the field, including developments in curriculum and instruction, legal policies, new technology, ethical principles, and standards for practice. Additional content may be added in response to new issues or student-expressed interests. Students will prepare to become informed consumers of educational research by learning to evaluate the strength of the research articles describing trends and issues. Students will learn to analyze research and trends to identify effective practices for working with individuals with exceptionalities and their families.