University Diploma: Inclusive Education

Number of credits required from Athabasca University: 12 credits.

Maximum credit awarded in this program for prior learning through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) processes: 0 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of inclusion (history, definition, laws, policies, principles of, issues, barriers, trends).
• demonstrate knowledge of special needs and exceptionalities (learner characteristics, identification, definitions, etiology, developmental consequences, interventions and prevention).
• demonstrate a knowledge and ability to adapt and make accommodations in educational environments for students with special needs (curricular, behavioural, methodological, technological).
• demonstrate knowledge of and an ability to use a variety of assessment and instructional strategies to meet the needs of special needs students across the curriculum (language, reading, spelling, written expression, and learning and study strategies).
• identify appropriate expectations for included students and develop, monitor and evaluate individual program plans (IPPs).
• collaborate with others (problem-solving, communication, team-building, role clarification).
• develop partnerships with parents of students with special needs.
• demonstrate an understanding of assessment and the ability to use informal assessment instruments effectively to develop educational plans and to evaluate programs.
• develop, institute, and monitor classroom and behaviour management plans (social skills instruction, dealing with self-concept, strategy instruction, strategies for behavioural change, cognitive behaviour management, and anger management).
• promote the social, emotional and behavioural development of students with special needs.

Possible Career Options

For Certified Teachers with a Bachelor of Education

• Special Education Teacher
• Resource Room or Learning Assistance Teacher
• Resource Facilitator
• Special Education Consultant

For Students Who Are Not Certified Teachers

• Special Needs Assistant (with teacher-assistant training)

Possible Further Education Options

At Athabasca University

• Master of Arts – Integrated Studies (MAIS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education in Distance Education (MEd)
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Distance Education Technology
• Master of Counselling (MC)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Counselling
• Bachelor of General Studies

At Other Educational Institutions*

• graduate studies in education or other related/unrelated disciplines
• library science
• law
• social work

* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other educational institutions.

Updated March 25, 2009