RPED - SPED 100 - Introduction to Persons with Exceptionalities - Spring 2027

About this course - SPED 100 introduces you to the field of special education and to students with exceptionalities. You'll look at the history and philosophy of special education, the federal and state laws that shape it, and how the referral and placement process actually works. You'll also study specific exceptionalities, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and separate common misconceptions from what these look like in a real classroom. By the end, you'll understand how schools support a wide range of learners, plus you'll have three college credits.

What you'll cover - The course is organized into three units: Foundations of Special Education, Understanding Common Exceptionalities, and Supporting Diverse Learners. You'll examine key legislation and the referral process, study specific exceptionalities in depth, and learn about the accommodations, teaching strategies, and family partnerships that help every student succeed.

Credits and cost - This course is worth three university credits through the University of South Dakota. RPED students pay a reduced rate of $40 per credit, compared to USD's standard rate of $330 per credit.

What to expect - This course is online and fully self-paced. There is no set meeting time and no fixed weekly schedule, so there is nothing to fall behind on. You complete the work when it fits your life. Most students find that a steady pace of about one module per week works well, but the flexibility is real.

Grading is mastery-based. Rather than accumulating points, you show that you've met clear success criteria for each unit. If something doesn't meet a criterion the first time, you get specific feedback and can revise until it does.

How to enroll - Enrolling takes two separate steps. Both are required.

• Step 1: Apply for USD dual credit. More info on USD enrollment at https://compass.bhssc.org/rped. 
• Step 2: Enroll in the Canvas course using this listing

Key dates

• Course starts: January 11, 2027
• Enrollment deadline: January 20, 2027
• Course ends: May 7, 2027

Questions? Contact Brady Licht at blicht@bhssc.org.