The Power of Connection: Educating At-Risk and Struggling Learners

Graduate-Level Credit / Non-Credit Hours
1 Semester Credit or 15 Clock Hours

Course Description

This course prepares educators to effectively support vulnerable and struggling learners through understanding, connection, and intentional practice. Participants explore the characteristics and challenges of at-risk students, build skills for forming trusting relationships, and learn how to assess individual needs and strengths. Through practical strategies and real-world application, educators develop personalized approaches that promote engagement and growth. The course culminates in designing inclusive, supportive classroom environments where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

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. To Identify and understand the various factors contributing to student vulnerability and academic struggles.
2. To develop skills in building trusting relationships and effective communication with students.
3. To learn methods for assessing student needs and strengths, and designing personalized learning, best practices for assessing student needs, strengths, and designing personalized learning plans.
4. To explore strategies for creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments through social and emotional learning.
5. To explore research-proven strategies in differentiated instruction and intervention strategies.
6. To learn how to collaborate effectively with families and community organizations.

• Self-Paced 1
• Structured 0
• Site Based 0
• Interactive 0