Special Education

Behavioral Intervention Strategies and Applied Behavior Analysis prepares special education teachers to work effectively with students exhibiting challenging behaviors, with a focus on students with behavioral and emotional exceptionalities. This course provides an overview of behavior disorders and their characteristics, as well as appropriate research-based intervention strategies, including positive behavior intervention and supports, multitiered systems of support (MTSS), applied behavior analysis, replacement behavior, and reinforcement strategies, culturally responsive practices, and data collection and assessment methods. After completing this course, learners emerge prepared to strategize and recommend adjustments to the learning environment that support positive behavior and student success in the classroom and beyond. This course also examines behavioral assessment and analysis, functional behavior assessment (FBA), and the creation and monitoring of behavioral improvement plans (BIP) that can be implemented in an authentic learning environment.

Special Education Law, Policies, and Procedures prepares special education teachers to practice within legal and ethical guidelines as they navigate the Special Education processes, stakeholder interactions, and other complex situations. This course provides an overview of the professional ethics and professional practice standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which guides candidates to act in a professionally conscientious manner. Candidates will explore special education legal foundations and case laws to apply legal foundations and ethical practices in special education process compliance.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Collaboration and Communication with Parents and School Staff prepares special education teachers to collaborate effectively with parents, school staff, and other professionals to plan programs and access services for students with exceptionalities. This includes applying culturally responsive communication strategies within school, educational settings, and the community. The course introduces ways to enhance parental involvement and family engagement while teaching families and students advocacy throughout the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and transition planning processes. The learner will create an IEP and then engage in a simulated IEP annual review where they will practice effective communication and collaboration skills key to the program's development and implementation. Candidates will engage in three hours of preclinical experiences that includes a simulated collaborative experience in which skills learned can be applied.

Elementary Literacy and Mathematics Strategies and Assistive Technologies prepares special education teachers to use progress monitoring and evidence-based instructional practices appropriate for elementary students with exceptionalities. The course includes cognitive and metacognitive strategies that elementary students can use to acquire new content knowledge and generalize skills across learning environments. It also provides opportunities for learners to incorporate intensive instructional strategies and practice making accommodations that include assistive technologies to elementary math and English language arts lesson plans based on learner characteristics, performance data, and individualized education program (IEP) goals.

Assessment for Special Education prepares special education teachers to use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions concerning the student and their learning environment. This course is designed to help provide an understanding of how assessment data is used during screening in multitiered systems of support (MTSS), the eligibility process, the evaluation process, progress monitoring, and data-based instructional decision making.

Special Education Curriculum is designed for candidates who plan to teach in a special education program at any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12. This course reviews the basic principles of special education and their application in realistic situations. Its focus is on five major content areas: Development and Characteristics of Learners, Planning and the Learning Environment, Instruction, Assessment, and Foundations and Professional Responsibilities which align to CEC Standards.

Considerations for Instructional Planning for Learners is designed to introduce special education teachers to a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance the learning of students with exceptionalities. The course focuses specifically on strategies for intensifying and individualizing instructional interventions; making instructional decisions based on progress-monitoring data; collaborating with general education teachers and paraprofessionals; teaching to mastery; promoting generalization of learning; and teaching students with exceptionalities how to use self-assessment, problem solving, and other cognitive strategies to organize critical content and meet their needs.

Secondary Literacy and Mathematics Strategies and Assistive Technologies prepares special education teachers to use progress monitoring and evidence-based instructional practices appropriate for use with secondary students with exceptionalities. This course focuses on intensive instruction and accommodation that includes assistive technology to secondary lesson plans. Learners will apply strategies to develop student critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learners will assess and measure student progress towards the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition goals for post-secondary and career preparation.

Planning Instructional Strategies for Meaningful Learning is a dynamic course designed for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of instructional planning and the execution of educational strategies that foster meaningful learning experiences. This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and standards-aligned lessons that meet the needs of all students. This course also covers a range of high-leverage instructional practices to increase student learning, engagement, and achievement. Participants will learn to utilize assessments to inform instruction, adapt teaching to accommodate all students, and incorporate technology to enhance learning.

Assessing and Monitoring Student Learning is a targeted course crafted for candidates who aim to enhance their skills in evaluating student progress and educational outcomes. This course provides an in-depth exploration of various assessment techniques, including formative and summative assessments, standardized tests, benchmark assessments, progress monitoring, and alternative assessment strategies. Participants will learn how to design effective assessment tools, interpret data to inform instruction, and provide meaningful feedback to students. This course also provides a foundation of data analysis that supports educators’ need to understand data and present data to stakeholders. Candidates will also explore online and digital assessment tools. Assessing and Monitoring Student Learning will prepare learners to align assessments to standards to monitor student learning, assess data, and provide on time and quality feedback.

Instructional Technology and Online Pedagogy is an innovative course designed to equip students with the skills to effectively integrate technology in their teaching practices. The course also covers best practices for online pedagogy, assessment and feedback, collaborative learning, and the use of multimedia and interactive elements to enhance learning experiences. With a focus on practical application, students will leave the course ready to create and facilitate compelling, high-quality online learning experiences that meet the needs of today's diverse learners. This course also provides a foundation for supporting digital literacy in K–12 education. In addition, this course prepares students to use technology to improve professional productivity and effectiveness in areas like data analysis and data representations.

The Professional Educator prepares WGU students to excel in the exciting and impactful profession of being an educator. Additionally, the course addresses the importance of continuous professional development and ethical considerations in teaching through the School of Education (SOE) Professional Dispositions and Ethics. Upon completion of the course, WGU students will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to continue their professional journey of becoming effective, inspiring, and adaptive educators, capable of making a significant impact in the lives of their students and the broader educational community. (This is not a transferable course.)

Learners and Learning Science provides WGU students with a deep understanding of the science behind learning processes. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to the science of learning, including cognitive development, learning theories, neuroscience in education, and the impact of developmental milestones on learning. Students will explore how these concepts apply to learning environments and educational levels, from early childhood through adolescence. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices and the practical application of learning science principles, equipping students with strategies to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement. This course aims to empower educators to create more effective, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences for all learners.

Personalized Learning for Inclusive Classrooms empowers educators to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. This course focuses on the principles and strategies of personalized learning, emphasizing the need to value and support the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each learner. The course provides a foundation for learner characteristics of learners with exceptionalities and other unique learning needs. This course helps candidates develop skills for partnering with parents and families to advocate for all students with exceptionalities, including those impacted by provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Multitiered systems of support are addressed to prepare candidates for their future classrooms as they seek to select appropriate instructional practices and interventions to best serve their learners. These factors are also addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments.

Creating Positive Learning Environments delves into the key elements that contribute to creating and maintaining a positive learning atmosphere for educators focused on fostering supportive and productive classroom climates. The course teaches effective communication, classroom norms and routines, and positive behavior supports. Emphasizing the importance of a safe and inclusive environment, the course also explores methods to promote student engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect among all learners. It also addresses the role of mental well-being in learning, exploring trauma-informed and restorative practices, which are addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications including case studies, Creating Positive Learning Environments teaches learners how to develop and sustain environments that not only enhance academic performance but also support the holistic development of students.