History & Current Forces Shaping Special Education
EDST 224
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Course Cluster and Certificates: Disability Studies |
In the course History & Current Forces Shaping Special Education, students will critically examine how social/political forces and varying conceptions of disability have shaped special education in the United States over time. Course themes include the historical and legal context of the education of students with disabilities within public schools, the contested nature of disability labels and its effect on pedagogical methods, the racialization of high incidence disabilities in schools, and the lived experiences of students living and learning with disabilities. Students will engage in readings, film viewings, lectures, discussions, and other activities to promote their understanding of the course content. Students will complete two major assignments--an analysis of an education policy or case and its effects on students or special education processes and an in-depth interview with an individual associated with a special education program. This course is intended to prepare students to critically examine past and present special education policy and processes while imagining the possibility of what such supports could do for students in schools. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS EDST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Education Studies Minor)(Education Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
SAMPLE READINGS Baker, D. (2014). The schooled society: The educational transformation of global culture. Stanford University Press.
Labaree, D. (1997). Public goods, private goods: The American struggle over educational goals. American Educational Research Journal, 34(1), 39-81.
Noguera, P., & Syeed, E. (2020). City schools and the American dream 2: The enduring promise of public education. Multicultural Education.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Critical reading responses (2)
Reflective personal essay (1)
Contemporary Issue in Education Discussion Facilitation and Critical Reflection (1)
Final term paper (1) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills either the Foundations, Category 2, or Elective requirement for the Education Studies Major and/or Minor. |
| Instructor(s): Goldberg,Gravity Times: .M.W... 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 8 | JR major: 7 | | |
| Seats Available: 25 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 5 | FR: 5 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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