Beyond the Label: Building an Educational Specialist Course for Disability Studies in a Curriculum Program.
Location
Helms Classroom #173
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
In graduate studies courses, we ask students to look beyond what they see currently in K-12 classrooms. This presentation will review a course created for an Educational Specialist in Curriculum studies at Augusta University, aimed at general and special educators. This course explores the theoretical distinctions between special education and disability studies, maintaining a balance between practical models and activities and theoretical models of curriculum studies. The course provides additional differentiation for EdS students seeking an elective to expand their knowledge of disability, thereby expanding course offerings for those not pursuing ESOL, gifted, or reading endorsements as their electives.
Keywords
Disability studies, graduate school course creation, social model of disability
Professional Bio
Dr. Ellen Hotchkiss is an Assistant Professor of Educational foundations, Curriculum Studies & Research in Augusta University’s department of Research, Counseling and Curriculum, COEHD. She also is retired from K-12 settings after 28 years as a special educator and science teacher. She was awarded her BSED, MED and EdD from Georgia Southern University and her EdS from Augusta University.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hotchkiss, Ellen M., "Beyond the Label: Building an Educational Specialist Course for Disability Studies in a Curriculum Program." (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 25.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/25
Beyond the Label: Building an Educational Specialist Course for Disability Studies in a Curriculum Program.
Helms Classroom #173
In graduate studies courses, we ask students to look beyond what they see currently in K-12 classrooms. This presentation will review a course created for an Educational Specialist in Curriculum studies at Augusta University, aimed at general and special educators. This course explores the theoretical distinctions between special education and disability studies, maintaining a balance between practical models and activities and theoretical models of curriculum studies. The course provides additional differentiation for EdS students seeking an elective to expand their knowledge of disability, thereby expanding course offerings for those not pursuing ESOL, gifted, or reading endorsements as their electives.
