The focus of this course is on inclusive education, and how it is accomplished through the use of differentiated instruction/layered curricula and specific models and strategies of consultation and collaboration. The course will address models, theories, and philosophies that form the basis of sound inclusive educational practice. Rights and responsibilities of student, parents, teachers, other professionals, and schools related to exceptional learning needs will be presented. There will be discussion on the issues in definition and identification of individuals with exceptional learning needs, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Students will explore the potential impact of differences in values, languages, and customs that can exist between the home and school. Educational implications of the characteristics of various exceptionalities will be presented, and strategies to accommodate these characteristics will be discussed in depth. The course will also explore the similarities and differences among individuals with and without exceptional learning needs, as well as differing ways of learning of individuals with exceptional learning needs including those from culturally diverse backgrounds and strategies for addressing these issues. Finally, students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of the paraeducator related to instruction, intervention, and direct service.