TC404 - Curriculum for Inclusive Classrooms - Introduction to Teaching
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the profession of teaching in the inclusive environment. Candidates will be introduced to the following concepts: historical aspects of education (incorporating both general education and special education, inclusive education, multi-tiered systems of support, universal design for learning, common core and ELD standards, 21st Century Learning to ensure a learning environment that is physically, mentally, intellectually and emotionally safe and healthy (including addressing bullying, racism, and sexism among students). Candidates will also be introduced to a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and assistive technology. Candidates will learn and be able to understand & demonstrate the following concepts: lesson design & planning, use of Common Core standards, social-emotional learning. Candidates will be exposed to working with a diverse population. Candidates will show knowledge of students’ prior experiences, interests, and social-emotional needs. Candidates will utilize a student's cultural, language, and socioeconomic backgrounds as a means to engage learning. Candidates will access resources to support students in need as well as collaborate with other educators and the larger school community. Candidates will receive an overview of the stages of child development and the relationship between development and education. As part of inclusive education, candidates will begin to learn how to develop collaboration and interpersonal communication skills. Candidates will begin to learn how to develop IEPs and 504 plans. Candidates will provide opportunities and teach advocacy strategies for students to meet their specific learning needs and provide opportunities for students to support each other.
Laurene has 40 years of teaching and administration experience in Special and General Education. As a teacher or administrator, she has taught and/or supervised classes of students in pre-school through post-secondary levels. For 19 years Laurene has taught adults in education credential programs at the University and has taught credential classes from the inception of the EPIC and LEAP teacher preparation program. As a board member of the Santa Clara County Office Inclusion Collaborative and being a life-long learner she has been deeply involved in the integration of Universal Design for Learning instruction into courses for teachers working on their teaching credentials.