Online Courses for Teachers

Conquering the Behavioral Challenges of Special Needs Students

(Grades K-2) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 48T04 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41621

Course Description

Do you find yourself at a loss when it comes to helping your special needs students cope with their behavioral challenges? This online course for teachers is designed for K-2 educators who want to learn how to incorporate a variety of behavior interventions for students who have been diagnosed with disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The role of executive functions is examined, including how executive dysfunction can lead to classroom behavior problems. Information on behavior management is shared with a specific focus on a tiered system of behavioral support, implementing IEPs, functional behavior analysis, and behavior intervention plans. Specific strategies are introduced to help teachers support special education students who struggle behaviorally. Teachers will learn the importance of developing routines, utilizing reinforcement techniques, teaching social skills, and the role that effective praise plays in behavior management. Teachers will be introduced to a variety of team-teaching models as a form of collaboration, and they will learn techniques to better involve parents by establishing a robust school-home connection. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel more confident using a variety of behavior management strategies, making them better equipped to meet the needs of their behaviorally-challenged special needs students. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.

Need help? Kimya Nabavi, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.

"Loved this course! The course gave me a better understanding of what goes on in my school with students who have special needs and behavior challenges. I will be using and referring to much of the course materials." - Deborah Greiff