SPED 294

By Melvin Purdue

This course is designed to introduce Education Specialists Candidates to issues, curricula, and best practices for teaching the core curriculum standards in California public schools based on the Curriculum Frameworks and Content Standards approved by the California State Board of Education. This course integrates teacher inquiry research as a medium for teachers to develop a depth of knowledge and skills with best practices in their core content areas. In addition,  candidates will demonstrate a breadth of skills across all content areas for creating inclusive environments in general and special education classroom environments. Specific objectives of this course include:

• Apply the tenets of culturally responsive and humanizing pedagogy to organize and implement appropriate instruction for students from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds with exceptional needs.  

• Use differentiated instructional strategies for providing students access and achievement to the regular education content standards.  

• Create a positive, inclusive climate of instruction for all students in a broad range of service delivery options using positive behavior supports for classroom management. 

• Practice reflection for continuous improvement throughout the first phase of student teaching or employment as interns.