This course will explore the elements and process of effective instructional strategies that may be
used when working with individuals with exceptionalities and the role of the educational assistant within this process. Topics to be covered will include the development of individual/educational program plans, response to intervention, roles of school-based teams and functional life skills curricula. The majority of the course will cover effective learning principles and their application when working with individuals with special needs. Appropriate instructional approaches such as task analysis, modelling, shaping, prompting, scaffolding and environmental and material manipulation will be explored. Observation and record keeping techniques will be covered. Professional portfolios will be completed and presented during this course.