This course introduces candidates to the principles, values, and policies that serve as a foundation for how individuals with exceptionalities are often perceived and served in American schools and communities. Course content focuses on the foundation for educating students with special needs, including historical perspectives, legal and regulatory aspects, service delivery models, educational theories, philosophies, and trends. National and state laws and regulatory policies are reviewed, along with characteristics/definitions, causation, learning, behavior, age span issues, and other major aspects of exceptionalities. Special attention is given to theories and controversies about the inclusion and/or segregation of students with exceptionalities in educational and community settings in combination with an overview of the design of services and programs serving students with exceptionalities. Educational implications, ethical/cultural/environmental issues and family rights/responsibilities are also addressed. Further, the course provides practical, real-life opportunities for candidates to apply what they learn in class in educational/community environments to interact, support, and engage individuals with exceptionalities.