379
2013-2014
GAPS – Education
This course is designed to prepare prospective special education teachers to provide effective instruction for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The emphasis will be upon increasing the awareness of general, autism spectrum disorder-specific learning characteristics and the use of that knowledge base to assess individual student learning needs, design instruction based upon those needs, and implement the instructional plan using evidence based effective instructional practices for the autism spectrum disorder population SPE 516. Teaching Students with Behavior and Emotional Disabilities 3 credits This course is designed to prepare prospective special education teachers to provide effective instruction for individuals with behavior and emotional disabilities. The emphasis will be upon increasing the awareness of general, behavior and emotional disability-specific learning characteristics and the use of that knowledge base to assess individual student learning needs, design instruction based upon those needs, and implement the instructional plan using evidence based effective instructional practices for the behavior and emotional disabilities population. SPE 517. Practicum 3-6 credits An on-site special education teaching experience working directly with students with special needs under the direction of a highly qualified special educator with shared supervision by the host teacher and Waynesburg University faculty. Student is required to complete a six, consecutive week placement. SPE 525. Autism Etiology and Characteristics of ASD 3 credits This course provides class participants are provided with an overview of the characteristics, etiology, and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Emphasis will be placed on collaborative strategies to develop and implement comprehensive individual educational programs based on meeting the unique needs of learners with autism in inclusive environments. The course will highlight evidencebased practices and enhancing collaboration among individuals with ASD, their families, and supporting professionals. 20 hour field experience required. SPE 526. Behavioral Analysis and Interventions for Students with ASD 3 credits This course provides class participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement and evaluate the impact of positive behavior support and applied behavior analysis. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the function of challenging behaviors, the teaching of new skills that make the challenging behavior unnecessary for the learner, and the prevention of the reoccurrence of challenging behaviors. The course will include functional behavior assessment and positive behavior support as foundations of appropriate behavioral intervention in keeping with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 20 hours field experience required. SPE 527. Communication and Social Competence for Students with ASD 3 credits This course provides students with an overview of typical language acquisition and development as compared with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The course emphasizes the visual aspects of language learning as well as the notion of “communication as behavior� and addresses the role of alternative and augmentative communication technologies to support individuals with ASD. Additionally, this course introduces students to the common sensory integration issues often associated with Autism. The course provides techniques used for language development and collaboration with families and related service providers, as well as focusing on the importance of teaching skill-generalization across multiple settings and situations. SPE 547. Teaching in the Inclusive Setting (cross-listed as EDU 549) 3 credits This course is designed to provide the teacher with essential collaboration skills. Various collaboration techniques and procedures will be explored. The use of the skills in the collaborative and consultative teaching models will be emphasized. SPE 548. Advanced Special Education Processes, Procedures 3 credits