Introduction to Special Education

Content outline

Special education constitutes a demand and a challenge in the modern educational world and simultaneously recommends a particularly important discipline of pedagogical science.  The course aims to provide an introduction to special education. The philosophy that is followed is the creation of "A School for All", which promotes the affective inclusion of all children.

This course will introduce students into special education. Specifically, postgraduate students will gain knowledge about the following topics:

• Basic principles of special education
• Definition and categorisation of special educational needs
• Special education: philosophy, aims and objectives. Brief historical examination and establishers of special education. Special education in Greece and in other countries
• Evaluation and diagnosis of special educational needs
• Educational programs for disabled children. Modern tendencies: inclusion, a school for all. Educational units of special education. Analytic programs. The role of the special educator. Training and application of individualised educational programs for students with special educational needs
• Support networks: family, specialists, volunteers.

Learning outcomes

• be familiar with basic concepts such as: special education, disability, integration, inclusive education
• enhance the concept and the philosophy of special education
• study the classification of special educational needs
• study the institutional and legislative organization of special education.
• be informed about special education in Greece and in other countries
• be trained in basic educational and support programs for school children with special educational needs
• be informed about the curriculum and the role of the special educator
• learn the concept of an Individual Educational Program (IEP) and they will see examples of the design and the implementation of such programs for pupils with special educational needs
• learn the importance of support grids in special education