This introductory course focuses on the overview of special education, various categories of disabilities, and educational issues and strategies for teaching and accommodating pupils with special needs. This course serves to familiarize graduate students with the historical, theoretical, and philosophical bases underlying special education including educational terminology for pupils with mild/moderate to severe/profound disabilities, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the current laws, landmark decisions, and educational mandates (e.g., IDEA) that govern the education for all children and adolescents with disabilities. It also encourages proper understanding of critical issues with regard to individuals with disabilities. Services provided by other agencies are also discussed. This course provides an essential foundation for further study in special education.