An overview of the diverse populations in today's schools and effective instruction, assessment, and management strategies for working in diverse educational settings. Urban, suburban, and rural school communities and populations will be addressed with special attention to issues of human growth and development, culture, ethnicity, exceptionality, gender, language, religion and socioeconomic status. This course application of lecture/theory which will require students to spend a minimum of 20 hours in a K-12 classroom during normal school hours.

Provides preparation for accommodating children with special needs in EC-6 classroom settings. Focus on characteristics of children with special needs, program accommodations, legal issues, individual assessment and planning, family and agency involvement, and inclusion strategies. Course will examine a variety of diverse settings where children and families live and learn, including homeless shelters.