Strategies for School and Life Success: ADHD Teaching Excellence - #IMW26020

Graduate-Level Credit / Non-Credit Hours
3 Semester Credits or 45 Clock Hours

Course Description

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a student's ability to focus, behave, and learn effectively. This course provides a comprehensive and updated overview of ADHD, including its symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and effects on students' academic performance. It also addresses common co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, as noted by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Child Mind Institute.

Educators participating in this course will focus on the learning challenges faced by students with ADHD, emphasizing the need for tailored teaching strategies and supportive learning environments. The course highlights the importance of executive function skills for organization and time management, as well as the role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in promoting positive behaviors, as explained by Understood (a leading nonprofit organization committed to empowering tens of millions of people with learning and thinking differences in the United States).

Participants will learn about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and educational rights, exploring various treatment options. Finally, this course will address the significance of collaboration between educators and families, alongside strategies to foster motivation, self-advocacy, and essential life skills in students with ADHD, in line with insights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Global Outcomes/Goals of the Course

To deepen and/or apply the content and skills of the teacher’s existing professional knowledge base by meeting the following global goals of the course:

1. Evaluate course-related research, literature, content, and strategies, and formulate connections and applications to educator practice.
2. Synthesize learning by reflecting on how the course content has transformed one’s professional practice.
3. Develop a collaborative support network focused on advocating for students with ADHD.
4. Design an effective and supportive learning environment that incorporates essential best practices, accommodations, and modifications for the inclusive classroom.
5. Develop and implement standards-based lessons and activities that are universally designed to meet the needs of all learners in the inclusive classroom.

• Interactive