CONT506: Special Education Specialist

Course Schedule

Course Description

This course delves into the complex landscape of special education in Ontario, challenging educators to critically examine their roles and responsibilities in creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. You will explore the theoretical underpinnings of inclusive education, including critical pedagogy and intersectionality, while participating in discussions concerning the practical realities of Ontario's curriculum, policies and frameworks. You will critically evaluate assessment practices, individual education plan (IEP) development and the use of assistive technologies (AT), all through the lens of ethical leadership and the voices of those involved. This journey will require a deep dive into fostering collaboration and navigating the multi-faceted challenges and opportunities inherent in special education leadership.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you will

• examine theories and pedagogies about multiple forms of oppression and intersectionality in special education
• identify the ethical responsibilities and commitments as leaders in special education in Ontario
• evaluate critical pedagogy and its role in the design, assessment and implementation of programs and practices in special education
• examine the Ontario curriculum, along with various board policies, frameworks, strategies and resources in place for special education
• formulate inclusive processes to support development, implementation and monitoring of IEPs including transition planning for learners that include voices and perspectives of those involved
• examine assistive supports, technologies and strategies to facilitate learning and foster inclusion for classroom and whole-school initiatives along with the ethical responsibilities related to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005
• analyze assessment and evaluation processes and practices
• develop processes, practices and strategies to foster collaboration with in-school personnel to support learning, well-being and leadership
• reflect on the ethical and equitable use of AT use in current and future educational contexts

Application Requirements

1. OCT Membership showing completion of Part 2
2. CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your School Board confirming that you have two years (388 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher, one year (194 days) of which is in the subject area of this course.

*The Ontario College of Teachers defines "Supervisory Official" as the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the school board for a teacher employed by a Board of Education. A principal or headmaster is not recognized in this capacity. For a teacher employed by a private school, the "supervisory official" is the Ministry of Education official (Education Officer) appointed to your school. For overseas experience the appropriate Supervisory Official is the person your Principal reports to.

**Please note that a new form is always required for a Part 3 (Specialist) course as experience is course/subject specific.

***In the case of Special Education, the required year of teaching experience in the subject area does not have to be in segregated special education classroom; it can be in an integrated special education classroom.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.