The Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) supports personnel serving students with exceptional educational needs. Technical assistance and programming support are available for students who have disabilities, are gifted and talented, and/or who are culturally or linguistically diverse. This unit administers both the state's Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children with disabilities. 

Colorado Department of Education ESSU is comprised of three offices:  Office of Special Education, Office of Facility Schools and the Office of Gifted Education. This category Special Education is home to the courses offered through ESSU's primary office of Special Education. 

Please contact Amanda Timmerman, Timmerman_A@cde.state.co.us, with any questions regarding course in the Special Education section.  

Course image Social Emotional Learning, Spring 2024
Special Education

This 8 week online course is offered in both fall and spring semesters, The purpose of the course is to support participants in the development of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plans and instruction based on identified building-level and student-specific needs. Individual course participants will explore the evidence-based practices and competencies involved in effective SEL planning and intervention. Assessment for lagging skills and data collection opportunities will be provided. Participants will be able to identify specific skill deficits and needs to plan for effective SEL instruction and support. Instruction will be given via the online course shell and discussion boards for collaboration with colleagues will be provided. No face-to-face opportunities or scheduled meetings are included in this course.

This course will open Spring, 2024.  

Please contact Anna Vick with any questions. 

Course image Person-Centered Planning
Special Education

This course in under construction. If you have any questions, please contact Gail Lott

this course will guide participants in understanding how to complete a Person-Centered Plan for individuals with special needs, however, this planning process can be used by anyone in need of a comprehensive plan to help guide their future.  The course takes 8 weeks to complete and each participant must facilitate the completion of at least three specific tools with an individual with a disability.   

Course image On-Demand Protection of Individuals From Restraint and Seclusion Act (PPRA)
Special Education

(5) The Department of Education shall create and implement rigorous standards for training school staff and administrators on the "Protection of individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act", 
Sections 26-20-101 to 26-20-111.  

Questions, please email:  Bill Brown at brown_w@cde.state.co.us

Course image Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)
Special Education

The purpose of the manifestation determination review is to determine if the student’s conduct was a manifestation of the child’s disability or a result of the failure to implement the student’s IEP. IDEA Regulation 34 CFR §500.536. 

This training will provide participants with an introduction to the Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) process. Participants will gain a basic understanding of  why, when and how to conduct a Manifestation Determination review meeting for students with disabilities. 

Course image Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) On-Demand
Special Education

The purpose of the manifestation determination review is to determine if the student’s conduct was a manifestation of the child’s disability or a result of the failure to implement the student’s IEP. IDEA Regulation 34 CFR §500.536. 

This training will provide participants with an introduction to the Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) process. Participants will gain a basic understanding of  why, when and how to conduct a Manifestation Determination review meeting for students with disabilities. 

**No or training credit will be provided in this On-Demand version of this course.  To receive credit for the is training please contact Bill Brown (Brown_W@cde.state.co.us) to be enrolled in the course for training credit.

Course image Social Emotional Learning, Fall 2022
Special Education

This 8 week online course is offered in both fall and spring semesters, The purpose of the course is to support participants in the development of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plans and instruction based on identified building-level and student-specific needs. Individual course participants will explore the evidence-based practices and competencies involved in effective SEL planning and intervention. Assessment for lagging skills and data collection opportunities will be provided. Participants will be able to identify specific skill deficits and needs to plan for effective SEL instruction and support. Instruction will be given via the online course shell and discussion boards for collaboration with colleagues will be provided. No face-to-face opportunities or scheduled meetings are included in this course.

This course will open Fall, 2022.  The course will run from Sunday, September 18, 2022 to Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Please contact Anna Vick with any questions.