This course examines major causes and characteristics of students with disabilities in the public-school setting. This course will also explore both high incident and low incident disabilities associated with special education and students from birth to age 21 (until a student’s 22nd birthday). The psychology, identification, and methods of serving exceptional individuals and their family will be considered. While the focus of this course is an understanding of the various exceptionalities and how that impacts a student’s education, the course will provide a social work perspective for practice related to prevention, intervention, and evaluation. Special emphasis will be given to the practice of school social work including working with teachers, principals and other members of the special education team. How school social workers respond to those students and their families will be the focus of this course. Assessment of each disability will be highlighted along with accepted school interventions.