EDSPX505.SPED101 - Special Education 101 for Administrators

CDHD

Course Description

Number of Credits: 2

NOTE - This course is free for Idaho Administrators with a discount code. Reach out to the instructor, Vanessa Staudacher (vstaudacher@uidaho.edu) for information on applying the discount code.

Course Location/Format:

This is an online course, part synchronous and part asynchronous (online) course presented by the Idaho Training Clearinghouse at the Center on Disabilities and Human Development at the University of Idaho. Registration for this and other course offerings is available on the ITC For Credit page.

Important Summer 2026 Dates:

Enrollment opens May 1, 2026 and closes June 14, 2026.
The canvas course begins June 14, 2026.
The course quiz and final assignment are due June 19, 2026.
Grades will be posted by July 10, 2026.

Instructor Information

Vanessa Staudacher

Phone - (208)-292-2528
Email - vstaudacher@uidaho.edu

Course Description:

Special Education 101 for Administrators is an online professional development course that runs for 4 weeks, designed to equip school administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the special education process effectively. Participants will enhance their leadership within IEP teams and gain strategies to promote meaningful access to general education content for students with disabilities. Additionally, participants will be able to use their deeper understanding of special education to ensure that the procedural, substantive, and implementation dimensions of FAPE are appropriately applied within their buildings. By the end of the course, administrators will be empowered to lead with confidence and foster inclusive educational opportunities.

SPED 101 for Administrators runs for four weeks, from June 14th, 2026 through July 19th, 2026. The course includes 4 modules, 4 assignments, and 4 virtual meetings. Live Zoom meetings will be held on the following dates from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM MST: 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

NO CLASS - Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Session 1: SPED Overview (June 14-21)

Zoom meeting June 17th at 9:00 - 11:00am PT / 10:00am - 12:00pm MT

Topics Include:

Course Introduction

Overview of the Special Education Process

Role of Special Education Team Members

Role of School and District Administrator on the IEP Team

Assignments are due June 21, you will choose from one of two assignment options

Session 2: Supporting Students with Disabilities in General Education (June 22-28)

Zoom meeting June 24th at 9:00 - 11:00am PT/ 10:00am - 12:00pm MT

Beginning with General Education

Collaboration Between General and Special Education

Evidence-Based Practices for Supporting Students with Disabilities

Assignments are due June 28, you will choose from one of two assignment options

We will not meet on July 1 - use this week to catch up on assignments

Session 3: Behavior (July 6-12)

Zoom meeting July 8th at 9:00 - 11:00am PT / 10:00am - 12:00pm MT

Behavior Intervention and Supports

Cultural Influences on Student Behavior

Disciplinary Practices and Responses to Behavior

Assignments are due July 12, you will choose from one of two assignment options

Session 4: Supervision and Support (July 13-19)

Zoom meeting July 15th at 9:00 - 11:00am PT / 10:00am - 12:00pm MT

Supervising and Evaluating Special Education Teachers

Supporting Your Special Education Team

Building Relationships with Students and Families

Navigating Conflict in Special Education

Assignments are due July 19, you will choose from one of two assignment options

All assignments must be submitted by the end of the day (11:59pm) on Sunday, July 19, 2026!

Learning Objectives:

After successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the key components and legal foundations of the special education process, including referral, evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, and implementation.

Analyze the role of the school administrator in facilitating collaborative and compliant IEP meetings.

Apply strategies to support IEP teams in developing plans that ensure students with disabilities have meaningful access to grade-level general education curriculum.

Evaluate and implement legally compliant and educationally sound disciplinary practices for students with disabilities.

Required Materials:

No outside materials are required.

Course Requirements:

This is a Pass/Fail course that offers two (2) credits. To successfully complete the course, participants are expected to:

Complete all module components, including activities, readings, and assignments, by the scheduled due dates.

Engage thoughtfully in discussions and course activities to support meaningful learning.

Participants are encouraged to complete each module prior to the Wednesday class session to ensure they are prepared to engage in weekly discussions related to the content. Your level of preparation and active participation will significantly influence the value you gain from this course. Consistent engagement will deepen your understanding and support your growth as a leader in special education.

Students are expected to submit assignments by the individual due dates listed in the Course Schedule below. These due dates are designed to help you stay on track with the course. However, all assignments and activities must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday, July 19th, which is the final deadline for course completion. Assignments submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Grading:

This is a Pass/Fail course. No incompletes will be given. Late work will not be accepted.

Participants must earn an 80% or better on each quiz to pass the course. Quizzes can be retaken until passed.

Credit participants must earn an 80% (80/100) or better on the final written assignment to pass the course.

Participants must complete the online course satisfaction survey.

Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

EDSPX505.SPED101 - 001

SPED 101

Jun 14, 2026 to Jul 20, 2026

Available