Education 325H - Intro to Special Educ hons

Fall
2026
01
3.00
Michael Gentile

TH 4:00PM 6:30PM

UMass Amherst
20379
furcolo W room 107
gentile@umass.edu
This course focuses on the foundations of special education and is designed to introduce students to the field of teaching exceptional children. It will develop students? understanding of disability with a focus on characteristics, functional and academic implications, and services and programs to help meet the educational, social, and/or personal goals for students with disabilities. We also highlight the experiences of individuals with disabilities and their families by inviting guest speakers to our class. The course includes historical and cultural perspectives on disability, and traces the development of special education services through current regulations and practices. It analyzes and critiques key assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs about disability and special education, focusing on school and community inclusion and belonging for all. Classroom practice opportunities include microteaching, case-based instruction, and the inclusion of video models.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.