Meeting the Need
This dynamic program trains professionals to work with students labeled autistic, mentally retarded, physically and multiply handicapped, and many other low-incidence disabilities. Learn:
- Issues in special education and special education law
- Nondiscriminatory assessment strategies and procedures
- Curriculum and educational planning
- Intervention and prevention in severe and challenging behaviors
- New technologies
- Collaboration with professionals, families, and community
- Development of the IEP, or Individualized Educational Program
Key program information:
- The program consists of 36 credits: 10 courses and a 6-credit practicum.
- Classes are held at Lesley’s Cambridge, MA, campus and at selected off-campus sites in a weekend model.
- Prerequisite: specified developmental course or equivalent; at least one year of related experience is highly recommended.
- Internship sites are also available.
- The program can be completed in one and one half years of full time study, or two to two and a half years of part-time study.
- The program meets new state regulations requiring all teachers receiving special
education licensure to have training in Assistive Technology (AT) and
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
SAMPLE PROGRAM COURSE
ESPED 6119 Technology in Communication and Curriculum
This course reviews the field of communication (verbal and augmentative), language development, and literacy for students with moderate and severely handicapping conditions. Connections between reading, writing, and communications are explored. Computer-assisted communication and instruction, adaptive devices, software, and dedicated communication devices are introduced. Instructional methods, designs, planning, and adaptations for students with a wide range of abilities and needs are implemented. This is a literacy/communication skills/social skills-based instructional methods and materials course for children with intensive special needs.