Special Education Program
Welcome to Special Education
The field of special education has undergone dramatic shifts since passage of the first federal law mandating public education for students with disabilities in 1975. Special education today centers on the belief that children of all learning abilities, including those with physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional differences, are most successful when they learn together, have equal access to the general education curriculum, and have the supports they need to lead fulfilling lives. Today’s special educators must be able to implement academic and behavioral evidence based practices (EBPs); employ culturally responsive practices; embed technology to enhance the effectiveness of their instruction; know and follow federal, state, and local special education policies; and work collaboratively with families and interdisciplinary teams.
The COEHS Special Education Program is at the forefront of this new approach to educating students with disabilities. Our forward thinking educators and researchers champion these new, more effective democratic school communities. We have the resources to conduct innovative research that helps shape special education practice and policy. We offer a wide range of special education courses that prepare educators, researchers, and other practitioners to work effectively in this new model of special education.
Dr. Susan Copeland,
Professor Emerita
