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    • Special Education

    Special Education Courses Online

    Study special education for supporting students with disabilities. Learn about instructional strategies, individualized education plans, and inclusive practices.

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    Explore the Special Education Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School

      Skills you'll gain: Special Education, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Student Support and Services, Positive Behavior Support, Mental and Behavioral Health, Behavior Management, Mental Health, Trauma Care, Cultural Responsiveness, Data Collection

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      880 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education

      Skills you'll gain: Lifelong Learning, Disabilities, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Special Education, Caregiving, Working With Children, Care Coordination, Childhood Education and Development, Child Development, Advocacy, Instructional Strategies, Learning Strategies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      187 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support

      Skills you'll gain: Special Education, Visual Impairment Education, Disabilities, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Differentiated Instruction, Social Justice, Student Support and Services, Pedagogy, Instructional Design, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      827 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Glasgow

      Diversity and Inclusion in Education

      Skills you'll gain: Differentiated Instruction, Special Education, Diversity Awareness, Education and Training, Cultural Diversity, Teaching, Disabilities, Pedagogy, Instructional Strategies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Social Justice, Higher Education, Curriculum Development, Student-Centred Learning, Student Engagement

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      357 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University at Buffalo

      ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students

      Skills you'll gain: Patient Evaluation, Child Development, Parent Communication, Treatment Planning, Childhood Education and Development, Mental and Behavioral Health, Special Education, Classroom Management, Teaching, Disabilities, Instructional Strategies, Behavior Management, Planning, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Colorado System

      Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School

      Skills you'll gain: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Disabilities, School Psychology, Special Education, Neurology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Patient Evaluation, Working With Children, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Mental and Behavioral Health, Speech Language Pathology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      Generative AI for Educators & Teachers

      Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Student Engagement, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Education Software and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, AI Personalization, Data Ethics, Prompt Engineering, Human Machine Interfaces, Image Analysis, Mobile Development, Emerging Technologies, Innovation, Business Logic, Technology Strategies, Computer Vision, Brainstorming, Lesson Planning, Natural Language Processing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Preview
      Preview
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Foundations for Active Learning in STEM Courses

      Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Mathematics Education, Human Centered Design, Laboratory Experience

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

      Skills you'll gain: Pedagogy, Formal Learning, Education and Training, Education Software and Technology, Human Learning, Higher Education, Instructional Strategies, Blended Learning, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Cultural Diversity, Student-Centred Learning

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      321 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Michigan

      Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional Design, Adult Learning Principles, Teaching, Education Software and Technology, Learning Theory, Learning Styles, Creativity, Technology Strategies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      522 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of London

      What future for education?

      Skills you'll gain: Education and Training, Higher Education, Pedagogy, Learning Theory, Teaching, Human Learning, School Psychology, Social Sciences, Learning Strategies, Socioeconomics, Public Policies, Intelligence Collection and Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      871 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      T

      The University of Hong Kong

      University Teaching

      Skills you'll gain: Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Teaching, Syllabus Development, Instructional Strategies, Course Development, Pedagogy, Higher Education, Differentiated Instruction, Student Engagement, Cultural Diversity, Learning Styles, Student-Centred Learning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular special education courses

    • Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School: University of Colorado System
    • Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability: Circles of Care and Education: University of Cape Town
    • Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support : University of Cape Town
    • Diversity and Inclusion in Education: University of Glasgow
    • ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students: University at Buffalo
    • Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School: University of Colorado System
    • Generative AI for Educators & Teachers: Vanderbilt University
    • Foundations for Active Learning in STEM Courses: Johns Hopkins University
    • New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy : University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education: University of Michigan

    Frequently Asked Questions about Special Education

    Special Education is the practice of teaching students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. It’s often applied to teaching those with intellectual, mental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and learning disabilities. It also applies to teaching students with special talents or abilities.

    In an education climate where just 17 percent of general-education teachers feel “very well prepared” to teach children with issues like ADHD and dyslexia, the need for quality Special Education skills and knowledge is very important. Teachers who focus on Special Education play an important role in advancing the confidence and success of special-needs students.‎

    There are a wide variety of opportunities available for learners interested in Special Education, from teaching to jobs in healthcare and government. Some roles include Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teacher’s Assistant, Special Education Program Coordinator, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, Early Intervention Special Educator, Lobbyist, and related specializations.‎

    Courses on Special Education offered through Coursera provide learners with fundamental information on how various common disabilities affect areas of learning, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD); hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities; ADHD and other learning disabilities; and more.

    Lessons in these courses are administered via lectures, readings, quizzes, reflections, and discussions.‎

    An interest in people with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities is the main prerequisite to starting to learn special education. Many people who want to work in special education already have some experience in the field of education, whether they've worked as a teacher, teaching assistant, or daycare worker. You can also gain some experience by volunteering to work with children, particularly children who have special needs. Special education teachers and specialists typically work with children of all ages, ranging from preschool through high school.‎

    People who work in special education need to be patient and even-tempered. Because you'll be working with children or adults with special needs, they may be slower or quicker than average to accomplish tasks. Creativity is also important. Children with special needs may not do well with traditional teaching methods, so you'll need to find unique ways to deliver information. You'll also need to be compassionate and accepting since you'll be working with people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Like any type of teacher or person who works with children, you'll need to be organized, intuitive, and able to adapt to any situation. It's also important to have a calming presence. Many children, including those with special needs, are overwhelmed by the classroom environment and being away from home. Those who work in a school environment need to be willing to collaborate with a team as well. You'll be working with other teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents to make sure all children receive the best possible education.‎

    Anyone who wants to work with people with special needs and is interested in working in a school setting may be suited to learn about special education. Even if you have a child in your own family with special needs, learning about special education may help you better understand them and even help them advance despite any disabilities. If you've ever thought about becoming an advocate for people with special needs, learning special education and applying it to your career or volunteer work can help you go further. If you're already a teacher or teaching assistant, and you're looking for a way to specialize or advance your career, learning special education can help add new skills to your resume and potentially find more advanced jobs in your field.‎

    Online Special Education courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Special Education skills. Choose from a wide range of Special Education courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Special Education, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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