MA in Special Education, Autism

Prerequisites: EDUU 661 The purpose of this course is to complete a final project as the culminating activity in the Master of Arts in Special Education (MASE) program.

Choosing from an array of project options, and utilizing information and project components learned and developed in previous MASE coursework, the capstone project will be completed and presented. Students will discuss various evidence-based practices in special education and their own professional development as a practitioner and scholar. This course must be taken in the last term of the Master of Arts in Special Education program.

This course is designed for teaching credential candidates. The course focuses on inclusive, evidence-based practices designed to meet the needs of a wide range of learners including students with disabilities, English learners, gifted students and students with other learning needs. Candidates will apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as well as a variety of developmentally and ability-appropriate instructional strategies, resources and assistive technology to maximize learning opportunities and promote student access to the curriculum. Candidates will also explore school and community-based resources to support all learners and their families and work to become effective change agent in the schools. A minimum of 5 hours of fieldwork is required for this course.

Candidates are introduced to the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and current and reliable research and practice on ASD. Candidates will identify service providers and stakeholders who are involved with individuals with ASD. The impact of ASD on families, and how to collaborate to address those needs are discussed. Candidates will begin to create a website that will act as a resource for families and educators collaborating to meet the academic, behavioral, social, communication, sensory, and transition needs of individuals with Autism. Completion of 5 hours of observation of a child with autism is required.

Prerequisite: EDUU 575.

Identification of assessment tools to assess the various needs of students with ASD is the focus of the course. Collaboration with stakeholders to determine areas of need in academic, behavior, sensory, communication and social skills is emphasized. Completion of 5 hours of fieldwork with a child with autism is required.

Prerequisites: EDUU 675.

The third course in the sequence addresses the design of structured and organized learning environments that support the sensory and learning needs of students with ASD. How to determine, align, and implement behaviorally-based instructional strategies and interventions, including Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) are emphasized. Identification and implementation of programs and strategies that enhance, facilitate, and promote social interactions across a variety of educational settings for students with ASD will be thoroughly addressed. Completion of 5 hours of fieldwork with a child with autism is required.

Prerequisites: EDUU 676.

The final course in the sequence addresses how to determine, align, and implement instructional strategies and interventions appropriate for the spectrum of the unique academic, cognitive, transition, and communication and language needs of students with ASD. Integrating the input from multidisciplinary teams, including families, to build effective, integrated programs, monitor student progress and determine program adjustment and service recommendations are focused upon. Completion of 5 hours of fieldwork with a child with autism is required. The website that acts as a resource for families and educators collaborating to meet the academic, behavioral, social, communication, sensory, and transition needs of individuals with Autism will be completed in this course.