Program Overview
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
This certificate program was designed to increase the knowledge school-based personnel have when teaching students with autism. It is a 4-course online series designed to prepare teachers and related service providers e.g., speech Therapists, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist) to deliver instruction to students with autism using scientifically-based strategies. Using the current research literature, these online courses were developed to determine the content and sequence of the courses.
Participants engage in a variety of learning opportunities throughout the courses including video enhanced learning modules and technology enhanced discussions. Curriculum includes an overview of autism and teaching strategies, administering and interpreting classroom-based assessments for instructional planning, applying scientifically-based teaching strategies to increase academic achievement, increasing communication, sensory, and social skills, and addressing behavioral challenges for students with autism.
While enrolled in the classes the participant must work with at least one pre K-12 grade student with autism or severe disabilities. In order to successfully complete the classes/program, participants must complete assignments by applying the knowledge learned to an aspect of the student’s program (e.g., schedule, curriculum, programming) and demonstrating mastery of the concepts. To be awarded the Teaching Students with Autism Certificate, participants must pass each class with a grade of B- or better.
Federal student loans are not currently available to students who are pursuing a CO state license (initial or additional) through UNC's stand-alone, graduate level licensure programs without being simultaneously enrolled in a Masters, Specialist, or Doctoral program.