2026-Summer-CG-EDL

This course, designed for school leaders, addresses aspects of overrepresentation of diverse students in special education as well as prevention, early intervention, and instructional strategies for students with disabilities in inclusive settings. More specifically, it addresses instructional adaptations and accommodations to meet the needs of the following student populations:

1.      Academically and functionally at-risk for learning

2.      Identified as needing special education

3.      Culturally and linguistically diverse

The role the school leader plays as a potential Local Education Agency (LEA) representative is also covered. In order to equip the school leaders with both knowledge and competence in leading, supervising, and evaluating the skills of staff members engaged in student learning, the following concepts will be included:

1.      Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as instructional techniques in a standards-aligned system within the Least Restrictive Environment

2.      Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) models used as an appropriate educational decision making for all learners

3.      Application of legal mandates from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (specifically IEPs)

4.       Overrepresentations and implications

5.       Federal and state (PA) laws

6.     Factors that promote effective communication and collaboration among all school personnel, families, students, and other community members.