eLearning Creations, in partnership with Sopris West Educational Services, has developed a ten course online curriculum called TeachSpecialEd.com. This curriculum was based on standards for special education certification as adopted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
The program’s flexible design provides the avenue many prospective teachers need in order to pursue careers in education and offers current educators a wide variety of easy-to-access professional development opportunities.
Each of the ten education courses comprises two to four modules.
For more information, or to enroll, go to TeachSpecialEd.com
Roll your mouse over the course descriptions below for a thumbnail description of each course.
Course 1: Foundations in Special Education
Addresses theoretical and practical information in the areas of disability and special education in the United States. Emphasizes legislative history and the progressive nature of special education. Fosters the development of professional philosophy, identity, and responsibility in beginning teachers. (CEC Standard 1)
Course 2: Development and Characteristics of Learners With Exceptional Learning Needs
Introduces teachers to the abilities, behaviors and attributes of children and youth with special needs. Specifies strategies to meet learning and environmental needs of all students. (CEC Standards 2, 3)
Course 3: Assessment for Instructional Planning and Decision Making
Discusses foundations of assessment; legal and ethical principles are included. Outlines the use of assessment in evaluation and placement. Examines IEP development and the utilization of assessment to ensure continuous support and success of students. (CEC Standard 8)
Emphasizes the effectiveness of positive classroom and schoolwide learning environments as strategies for enhancing teaching and learning. Attention is given to proactive techniques used to promote positive behavior support. Intervention strategies for students with behavioral issues are also covered. (CEC Standards 4, 5, 7)
Course 5: Instructional Strategies: Teaching for Results
Pinpoints elements of effective instruction. Each step of instructional design, implementation, and assessment is explained. The communication and use of student outcomes is also included. (CEC Standards 4, 5, 7)
Course 6: Instructional Strategies: Improving Basic Reading Skills
Emphasizes instructional methods that have been shown to impact reading ability and fluency skills of individuals with exceptional learning needs. (CEC Standards 4, 5, 7)
Course 7: Instructional Strategies: Improving Reading Comprehension
Focuses on aspects and instruction of reading comprehension important when working with students with reading disabilities. Strategies include developing background knowledge, text analysis skills, and comprehension strategies. (CEC Standards 4, 5, 7)
Course 8: Language and Communication in Diverse Learners
Places the needs of exceptional learners in the larger context of cultural differences and diversity with a focus on language and communication. Covers language development, communication styles, and teaching second language learners. (CEC Standard 6)
Course 9: Collaboration and Instructional Planning in the IEP Process
Covers strategies for defining and implementing cooperative teaching and identifying communication skills Presents several aspects of developing an Individual Education Program (IEP); a dual focus is maintained on the legality and usefulness of the IEP. (CEC Standards 7, 8, 10)
Course 10: Professional and Ethical Practices
Focuses on ethical standards and principles of being a special educator. Covers issues related to assessment, decision making, and instruction. Describes appropriate methods of communicating with agencies and families/guardians of children with special needs. (CEC Standard 9)
Ten Course Curriculum—$2000/person
Individual Courses—$300