This course is designed to introduce prospective elementary and secondary teachers with an overview of the historical, philosophical, psychological, and cultural forces that affect education. Participants will understand the nature of learning for those considered at-risk to those who may be gifted. An overview of the current trends and issues that face the general education teachers in terms of identification, referral and teacher of students who may have learning differences will be presented. The continuum of special education services will be discussed. The participants will be aware of a variety of exceptionalities, specific strategies and adaptations that might be employed to assist in teaching student with learning problems.