Students will be introduced to the various special education exceptionalities in Ontario schools and will be provided with opportunities to analyze and reflect upon key issues in special education such as inclusion and universal design for learning. They will have the opportunity to gain skills and evidence-based knowledge regarding the identification, instruction, and progress monitoring of students with special education needs. The emphasis will be on using well-founded research to inform instructional practices and decision making. Given that students with exceptionalities are often at risk for mental health difficulties, we will discuss the intersection between mental health and learning as well as the intersection between special education and diversity.