Graduate-Level Credit / Non-Credit Hours
3 Semester Credits or 45 Clock Hours
Course Description
In today's diverse educational landscape, it is crucial for teachers to be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and address the unique needs of students. This course will provide an overview of common neurodivergent conditions, including specific learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, as well as anxiety disorders.
Throughout this course, evidence-based strategies and classroom interventions to support students with neurodivergent conditions will be emphasized. Tapping into a variety of valuable resources such as Psychology Today, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Child Mind Institute, and Neurodivergent Insights - educators will be empowered with practical tools and techniques that can be immediately applied to their professional practices including effective goal setting, mindset, and the use of assistive technology to enhance learning. Course participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive and effective learning environment conducive for students with neurodivergent conditions. Finally, educators will explore strategies to prevent burnout in this demanding profession, as well as enhance one’s mental health and well-being inside and outside of school.
Throughout the course, participants will engage in interactive dialogue through a variety of mediums to receive valuable feedback to reflect on from their instructor. All formative and summative projects are reviewed and graded, and feedback from the instructor will be provided allowing the participant to enhance their portfolio of educational tools/resources to impact their classroom or school community.
Global Goals of the Course
To deepen and/or apply the content and skills of the teacher’s existing professional knowledge base by meeting the following global goals of the course:
- Evaluate course-related research, literature, content, and strategies and formulate connections and applications to teacher practice.
- Develop learning experiences and accommodations that effectively support students’ diverse learning and behavioral needs.
- Design an effective learning environment that incorporates essential best practices for the inclusive classroom.
- Incorporate assistive technology and alternative assessments into one’s professional practices to meet the individualized strengths and needs of all learners in the inclusive classroom.
- Evaluate challenges associated with working with students with neurodiverse conditions and design a comprehensive plan to maintain and enhance one’s overall well-being to avoid burnout.
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