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Program Overview

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There is need in the state of Maryland to equip general education teachers with effective interventions for working with students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment with their non-disabled peers. Under the law: "Each State must establish procedures to assure that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities...are educated with children who are not disabled, and that special education, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily." 20 U.S.C. 1412(5)(B).

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education for General Education Teachers in Inclusive Classrooms (GC-Inclusive Classrooms) equips general educators with knowledge and skills to meet the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. Through this program, general education teachers and staff gain evidence-based instructional strategies, effective behavioral interventions, as well as knowledge regarding the requirements of the IDEA law in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms.  

The GC-Inclusive Classrooms 15-credit, 5-course curriculum can be completed in as little as fifteen months of continuous study while minimally disrupting personal and professional life. Courses address the specialized and complex needs of preparation for the general educator in an inclusive classroom. The curriculum provides knowledge and skills to address the needs of students with disabilities, including assessment, instruction, behavior management, as well as general knowledge regarding special education supports and interventions.

The GC-Inclusive Classrooms features online instruction which offers greater flexibility and increased opportunity to tailor learning that accommodates personal and professional responsibilities. UMD’s online learning environment delivers online content through easy to use web-based technology that enables learning in an engaging, interactive environment. Instruction is provided by university faculty and experts in the field. The program uses the semester academic calendar with classes held during fall and spring semester (16 weeks each) and Summer Session (two 6-week sessions).

Program Contact Information

The GC-Inclusive Classrooms is offered by the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education in the College of Education. The skills gained through this program will equip teachers to better serve ALL students in their schools. Students with specific academic questions may contact:

Dr. Tori Page-Voth
Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education
College of Education
1220C Benjamin Building
3942 Campus Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-1125
Email: tpv@umd.edu

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