Special education programs at the IU School of Education in Indianapolis are designed to prepare educators through coursework and authentic, inclusive urban field experiences who:

• Value their work with and in racially, ethnically, income, ability, and linguistically diverse, urban communities.
• Hold critical understandings of historical, political, social, cultural, pedagogical and philosophical values, beliefs, practices, and processes that have shaped how dis/ability is defined and implemented in educational settings.
• Explore and question intersections between race, class, gender, and other social group memberships and special education eligibility, placement decisions, and services.
• Provide rigorous, universally accessible, culturally and individually responsive, and highly engaging learning experiences for all students, particularly those with dis/abilities.
• Engage in multiple forms of shared practice with general education and other education and community colleagues to ensure access, participation, and positive life outcomes for students with dis/abilities.
• Develop and foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with students, families, and community members.
• Examine and effectively challenge current constraints for educating students with dis/abilities in inclusive, neighborhood, educational settings.
• Advocate for policies and practices in schools and society that promote high quality, inclusive, and culturally responsive services and supports for all students, particularly those with dis/abilities.