The Add Endorsement in Special Education Program (AddSPED) prepares elementary and secondary school teachers to add an endorsement in special education at the early childhood/elementary (age 3–grade 8) or middle/secondary (grade 5–age 21) level to their current license. In addition, the credits earned can be applied toward a master’s degree in special education.
The Autism Certificate of Completion is a 19-credit training for teachers and other working professionals who want to learn how to use a comprehensive set of evidence-based instructional strategies and a curriculum that is demonstrated to improve the learning outcomes of children with a range of disorders on the autism spectrum.
The Secondary Dual Educator Program prepares teachers to meet the academic needs of all students in their classroom by integrating the pedagogy of general and special education at the secondary level. Middle and high school teachers are able to use specialized instructional methodology and their content area expertise to differentiate instruction and develop curriculum accommodations. Teachers receiving this dual preparation earn a master's in education degree and dual endorsements in a secondary-level content area and in special education.
Special Educator Professional Development Opportunities provides advanced coursework in special education. Courses include legal aspects of special education in the public schools, advanced instructional techniques in reading, mathematics and literacy, data-driven decision making using progress monitoring, and training paraprofessional teams.
Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism: An Online Certificate is a 12-credit program that provides a framework for understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, high functioning autism and other diagnoses including pervasive developmental disorder (NOS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Topics include diagnostic issues, educational implications, and programming recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a team approach in planning, implementing, and assessing the student’s program. Courses are designed for educators in general education settings, special educators, parents, speech and language therapists, building administrators, and other members of the student’s educational team.