Plan of Study – MAT Autism Spectrum Disorders

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: MAT

Program Requirements (Minimum of 30-31 semester hours required.)

Education Foundation Core (Minimum of 3 semester hours required.)

EDU 5060 Research and Educational Practice (3 s.h.)

A focus on the knowledge and skills needed by educators to understand, evaluate, and use research. Critical analysis of the major principles of teaching and classroom learning. Applying research skills to researching and critically analyzing recent trends and traditional theories in the field of education.

Special Education Core (Minimum of 6 semester hours required. *Undergraduate prerequisite to the special education and autism spectrum disorders sequences: EDU 3300, The Exceptional Learner in the Classroom, 3 s.h.)

SED 5330 Transition Planning Issues and Practices (3 s.h.)

The legal basis and practices of transition planning, articulating both philosophical and pragmatic concerns. Given the unique needs of students with disabilities in light of the demands posed by various curriculum areas, situations, and settings, course participants acquire skills and techniques designed to help students experience less dependence on care givers and greater independence in school settings and the broader community.

SED 6220 Consultation and Collaboration (3 s.h.)

An overview of the staff and parent interaction roles and responsibilities of the teacher consultant in inclusive settings. The distinct and differentiating characteristics of consultation and collaboration are delineated, and extensive guided practice opportunities are afforded to students in both areas. Inter-agency collaboration strategies are presented and students review and discuss selected pieces of broader ranging organizational change literature.

ASD Sequence (Minimum of 14 semester hours required. *Undergraduate prerequisite to the special education and autism spectrum disorders sequences: EDU 3300, The Exceptional Learner in the Classroom, 3 s.h.)

ASD 5410 Foundations of ASD: Educational Implications (4 s.h.)

An overview of the ASD field to include history, etiology, policy, conditions, characteristics, and diagnosis. Learning characteristics and sensory integration patterns are addressed with a focus on critical analysis of intervention research, theory, and practice. Sociocultural issues such as the impact of the legal system and resources for independent living are explored, with an emphasis on collaboration with general educators, families, and allied service providers.

ASD 6410 Behavioral and Social Issues in ASD (3 s.h.)

Examines the educational implications of the diverse behavioral and social characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorders. Procedures for identification and research-based interventions; team based assessments and behavioral supports; sensory needs and behavior; and designing environments for preventing sensory overload. Research-based interventions are examined to maximize behavioral and social skills for students with ASD. Prerequisite: ASD 5410.

SED 5500 Methods of Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities (3 s.h.)

Overview and analysis of special education practices based on current learning theories and research findings related to teaching students who experience high incidence learning and behavior problems. Review of specific procedures for planning via IEPS and delivering instruction in both academic and nonacademic areas. Specific topics addressed include social skills development, prevocational and vocational training, general curriculum modification, and accommodation strategies.

SED 6090 Formative and Summative Assessment for Instruction (4 s.h.)

Application-oriented, hands-on experience in the use of formative and summative assessments to facilitate the creation of evidence-based instructional practices and their impact on specialized strategies for students with special needs. Examination of the purpose, statistical foundations, and application of assessment results within the context of instructional design and teacher growth.

Student Teaching or Pract (Minimum of 5-6 semester hours required.)

ASD 6500 or ASD 6700&6720 (Choose from: ASD 6500 or both ASD 6700 and ASD 6720.)

ASD 6500 Student Teaching: Autism (5 s.h.)

Required when ASD is the initial special education endorsement. Student teachers apply theory to practice with a focus on formal and informal assessments, instructional planning and implementation, behavioral assessments and supports, and collaborative partnerships with parents and allied service providers. 300 hours of professional field experience required. Prerequisite: admission to student teaching. To be taken with the autism spectrum disorders seminar, ASD 6930.

ASD 6700 Autism Practicum I (2 s.h.)

Required when the ASD endorsement candidate has prior special education endorsement(s). Applying theory to practice, emphasizing academic and behavioral assessments, instructional planning and implementation, and professional competencies of special education teachers. Students complete 90 hours of practice in each of ASD 6700 and ASD 6720. Prerequisite: admission to student teaching. To be taken with the autism spectrum disorders seminar, ASD 6930.

ASD 6720 Autism Practicum II (2 s.h.)

ASD 6930 Autism Spectrum Disorders Seminar (1 s.h.)

Seminar to support students as they practice and integrate teaching behaviors stemming from “best practice” and empirical research. Students evaluate and reflect on the effectiveness of their teaching, a critical attribute of effective educators. Current issues in education, special education and the field of autism spectrum disorders are discussed in the traditional seminar format. Student critiques of associated research lay the foundation for class discussions. To be taken with ASD 6500 or ASD 6700-6720.

ASD Research Project (Minimum of 2 semester hours required.)

ASD 6960 Autism Spectrum Disorders Project (2 s.h.)

Students propose and complete a project demonstrating significant scholarly work in the field autism spectrum disorders, or related area of professional inquiry. The project is developed under the guidance of a member of the faculty and is necessary for completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching. Prerequisite: completion of Autism specialty; taken in last year of program.