Free Special Education Course
Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs
This free special education course explains inclusive teaching, learning needs, classroom support, and positive communication. Join the course to adapt activities, remove barriers, and support each student with confidence.
About this course
This free special education course explains how inclusive teaching can help students with different learning, communication, sensory, physical, and behavioral needs take part in class. You will learn to observe barriers, understand individual strengths, adapt instructions, adjust activities, use clear routines, and communicate positively with students and families. The lessons focus on practical classroom support without labeling a learner or replacing formal assessment.
The course is useful for new teachers, teaching assistants, tutors, caregivers, and education students who want a clear start in supporting special educational needs. You will examine accessible lesson planning, participation, behavior support, peer inclusion, progress notes, and collaboration with school specialists. It helps you make thoughtful classroom adjustments, select suitable ways for students to show learning, and recognize when a concern should be discussed with qualified special education professionals.
Course outline
Understanding the Legal Foundations of Special Education
In this module, you'll learn what IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA require, what FAPE and least restrictive environment mean, how Child Find and referrals work, and educator roles.
Recognizing and Understanding Disability Categories
13 disability categories, the classroom signs of learning disabilities, autism, ADHD and more, how to support twice-exceptional students, and a strengths-based view.
Navigating the IEP Process Step by Step
In this module, you'll learn the IEP roadmap from evaluation to eligibility, how to read an IEP, write measurable goals and PLAAFP statements, and how to monitor progress.
Implementing Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
In this module, you'll learn the difference between accommodations and modifications, the four accommodation types, assistive technology basics, testing accommodations, and how to support students without over-accommodating.
Designing Flexible, Inclusive Lessons
In this module, you'll learn the principles of differentiated instruction, the three UDL pillars, tiered assignments and flexible grouping, scaffolding, co-teaching models, and planning lessons with UDL.
Supporting Positive Behavior in the Classroom
In this module, you'll learn why behavior happens, how to run an FBA and build a BIP, teaching replacement behaviors, de-escalation, trauma-informed practice, and the rules on restraint.
Building Strong Partnerships Around the Student
In this module, you'll learn to communicate with parents, handle hard conversations, work with speech, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists and paraprofessionals, and resolve conflict with cultural responsiveness.
Creating Inclusive Classrooms and Planning for the Future
In this module, you'll learn what real inclusion looks like, how to build accessible, socially welcoming classrooms, address bullying, teach self-advocacy, and plan transitions to adult life.
Get access to the complete curriculum once you enroll in the course
Frequently Asked Questions
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