Introduction:

Providing a welcoming and effective learning environment for all students, including those with diverse needs, is crucial for ensuring educational equity and success. This 5-day comprehensive training program, delivered by Global Business Minds, equips educators, paraprofessionals, and other professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively support students with special needs in various educational settings.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of special education laws and regulations.
• Conduct effective collaboration within special education teams and with families.
• Design and implement inclusive learning

Course Structure:

Day 1: Foundations of Special Education:

• Understanding Special Education Landscape: Explore the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), different disability categories, and legal implications for educators.
• Collaborative Practices and Teaming: Develop skills for effective collaboration with special education teams, general education teachers, families, and related service providers.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Implement UDL principles to create inclusive learning environments that benefit all students, regardless of individual needs.
• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Understand and apply PBIS frameworks to promote positive behavior and address challenging behaviors in students with disabilities.

Day 2: Assessing and Identifying Learning Needs:

• Formal and Informal Assessment Tools: Learn about various assessment tools and approaches used to identify students with special needs and determine their specific learning strengths and challenges.
• Interpreting IEPs and Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs): Develop skills for understanding and interpreting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), and translating them into actionable teaching strategies.
• Accommodations and Differentiated Instruction: Explore a range of accommodations and differentiation strategies tailored to address the individual needs of students with diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Assistive Technology (AT): Discover how to leverage assistive technology tools to enhance access, participation, and learning for students with disabilities.

Day 3: Instructional Strategies and Evidence-Based Practices:

• Effective Communication Techniques: Learn strategies for communicating effectively with students with diverse disabilities, considering their language processing, attention, and sensory needs.
• Engaging Lesson Design: Design engaging and accessible lessons incorporating varied instructional methods, visuals, and manipulatives to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Promoting Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Integrate social-emotional learning activities and strategies to support students' self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Understand the importance of collecting data on student progress, analyzing it to inform instructional adjustments, and demonstrating effectiveness of interventions.

Day 4: Working with Specific Disability Categories:

• Learning Disabilities: Explore common learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, and learn evidence-based practices for supporting students with these needs.
• Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (EBD): Understand common EBD characteristics and implement classroom management strategies to promote positive behavior and social-emotional well-being.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Gain insights into ASD characteristics, communication strategies, and sensory sensitivities to tailor instruction and support effectively.
• Physical and Health Disabilities: Learn about common physical and health disabilities and explore accommodations and modifications to ensure accessibility and participation in the learning environment.

Day 5: Transition Planning and Collaboration:

• Career Development and Planning: Understand the importance of career exploration and preparing students with disabilities for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Family-School Collaboration: Develop effective communication and collaboration strategies with families of students with disabilities, fostering partnerships to support their child's success.
• Advocacy and Self-Empowerment: Promote student self-advocacy skills and strategies, empowering them to participate in their education and decision-making process.
• Professional Development and Ongoing Learning: Explore resources and opportunities for continuous professional development and staying updated on best practices in special education.

Target Audience:

This training program is designed for:

• Educators of all grade levels interested in developing their expertise in special education.
• Special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• School administrators and leaders seeking to create inclusive learning environments.
• General education teachers who want to better support students with diverse needs.
• Anyone passionate about ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.