Learners will learn at their own pace for Levels 1 and 2 and participate in a one- day Inclusive Education Institute led by UMS faculty to complete Level 3.

What are the benefits of earning the Inclusive Education for PreK-12 micro-credential?

Upon completion of this micro-credential the learner will have knowledge of:

• the U.S. laws that govern special education and the legal preference for the inclusion of students with disabilities.
• the educational research evidencing positive outcomes of inclusion.
• the historical timeline of special and inclusive education, including the importance of family advocacy and the ethics of inclusion.
• the foundational instructional practices and collaboration necessary to implement inclusive special education.
• an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses inclusive and age-appropriate annual goals for students with disabilities.
• basic universal design for learning (UDL) principles
• a framework for creating adaptations for students with disabilities
• classroom wide and student specific positive supports for students with challenging behavior using case study examples.
• collaborative models and practices between school professionals and school-family relationships to support inclusive education.

The learner will also participate in a one day Inclusive Education Institute led by UMS faculty experts in inclusive education in which they will work in small groups and independently to:

• write a vision for inclusion in their unique classroom/school setting
• craft an inclusive lesson using a UDL framework that embeds student specific adaptations
• apply classroom and student classroom wide and student specific strategies for providing inclusive and positive supports for students with challenging behavior.
• discuss strategies and identify resources to increase collaboration with current and/or future colleagues, students and families.
• reflect on learning and create an action plan for continued learning

Who is eligible to apply and are there any prerequisites?

This micro-credential is open to any practicing PreK-12 educator or staff member, pre-service educator, and/or interested community member. 

Will it count toward CEUs or contact hours?

Yes! Current education professionals can earn 2 CEUs from University of Maine System. Non-education professionals and pre-service educators can earn 20 contact hours.