Elizabeth Stringer Keefe
Professional Title: Assistant Professor
Areas of Academic Focus and Expertise:
Autism spectrum disorders; school reform and systems; assistive technology improving the accessibility of curriculum
Area of Work and Concentration at Lesley: Autism spectrum disorders, Special Education Programs
Representative List of Recent Courses Taught:
Understanding the Autism Spectrum; Academic and Functional Supports: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Improving Communication and Social Skills: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Promoting Generalization of Positive Behavior: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Advocacy and Collaboration: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Functional Curriculum and Educational Planning: Severe Special Needs; Curriculum Frameworks and Inclusive Strategies; Technology in Communication and Curriculum; Assessment and Educational Planning: Severe Disabilities; Literacy and Numeracy for Students with Significant Special Needs; Prevention and Intervention: Severe and Challenging Behavior
Education: M.Ed., Lesley University; B.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Representative List of Recent Publications / Exhibitions:
Recent presentations:
- Using
Technology to Support Best Practice in Literacy for Students with Down
Syndrome with Dr. Stephanie Spadorcia, 8th Annual Massachusetts
Down Syndrome Congress Educator Forum, November 4, 2011
- Increasing
Access to the Curriculum for Middle and High School Aged Students with
Disabilities, Say Yes to Education Summer Institute, August 4, 2011
- Using
Assistive Technology to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD), CEC Annual Convention and Expo, April 27, 2011
- Developing
Individualized Education Plans, Lesley University, January 8, 2011
- IEP
Development and Progress Monitoring, Center for Special Education,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 20, 2010
- Demystifying
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Boston Public Schools Teacher Residency
Program, December 4, 2009
- Responding
to the Learning Challenges of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders,
Children’s Physical Development Center, Bridgewater, MA, November 14, 2009
- Developing
Individualized Education Programs, Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Speaker Series, June 2, 2009
- Individualized
Education Plan: From Eligibility to Placement, Lesley University Graduate
School of Education, 2008 and 2009
- Creating
Accessible Learning Environments: Innovative Technology Tools and
Strategies to Meet the Cognitive and Language Needs of Preschool Aged
Learners, Massachusetts Department of Education Lighthouse Technology
Conference, 2001
Elizabeth Stringer Keefe's work has focused on the preparation and training of teachers who work with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and severe disabilities. She began her career as a special educator in public and private settings and continues to consult to Massachusetts public school districts and community agencies that support students with ASD. Her work has informed the development and revision of several academic programs as well as professional development offerings at Lesley, which include an annual conference and speaker series. These offerings provide training beyond the standard teacher licensure for educators, professional development for specialists, and training for parents. Elizabeth is a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Autism Society of America and the Massachusetts Autism Commission School-Age subcommittee. In 2006 she was honored by The Arc of Greater Boston with their Outstanding Educator Award.
Special Education Programs
ekeefe@lesley.edu