Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching Students with Autism
The University of Mary Washington’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) is offering a new opportunity intended to enhance the effectiveness of licensed teachers and other professionals working with students with autism. The certificate program offers three tracks, or avenues of study, to meet various professional development goals. The Certificate in Teaching Students with Autism requires the completion of four graduate courses designed to assist licensed teachers in meeting the needs of students with autism.
The Certificate in Teaching Students with Autism includes a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) option that allows individuals to complete an additional three graduate courses necessary to take the BCABA exam. This option, also known as the BCABA Course Sequence, consists of three courses each requiring additional field experience hours. The BCABA Course Sequence is will be available to eligible students interested in completing the BCABA coursework apart from the certificate.
For more information about the certificate and BCABA Course Sequence, contact Dr. H. Nicole Myers, assistant professor of education, at nmyers@umw.edu or (540) 286-8026. For additional resource information, link to the Center for Autism Resources for Educators.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the certificate, with or without the BCABA option, the applicant must be a licensed or provisionally licensed teacher, and is required to submit the following materials to the CGPS Office of Admissions:
• Application for Admission;
• Application for Virginia In-State Tuition form (if applicable);
• Nonrefundable application fee;
• Official transcript indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
BCABA Course Sequence Only: Eligible applicants include individuals with a bachelor’s degree, or who have permission from the instructor to take EDSE 527.
Required Courses for the Certificate (12 credits)
EDSE 533 Positive Approaches to Behavior Management (3 credits)
EDSE 537 Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
EDSE 538 Methods of Teaching Students with ASD (3 credits)
ITEC 531 Emerging and Assistive Technologies (3 credits)
Required Courses for the Certificate with BCABA Option (18 credits)
EDSE 527 Principles of Learning and Motivation* (3 credits)
EDSE 528 Basic Methods of Applied Behavior Analysis* (3 credits)
EDSE 529 Techniques in Behavior Analysis* (3 credits)
EDSE 537 Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
EDSE 538 Methods of Teaching Students with ASD (3 credits)
ITEC 531 Emerging and Assistive Technologies (3 credits)
Required Courses for the BCABA Course Sequence (9 credits)
EDSE 527 Principles of Learning and Motivation* (3 credits)
EDSE 528 Basic Methods of Applied Behavior Analysis* (3 credits)
EDSE 529 Techniques in Behavior Analysis* (3 credits)
*These three courses require field experience hours supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Each of these courses meets BCABA standards for BCABA-related courses.
Note: Each course in the certificate program meets Virginia Autism Council Competencies, and Council for Exceptional Children Standards, where appropriate.
Course Descriptions
EDSE 527 Principles of Learning and Motivation
Prerequisite: Psychology 100, or permission of instructor and admission to the BCABA course sequence.
This course will cover the major definitions, characteristics, principles, process and concepts of behavior analysis. These include the techniques of operant and classical conditioning. Of particular interest is the application of learning principles to the classroom and to working with children with autism. Additionally, the measurement of behavior and the ethical ramifications of using learning techniques to modify behavior will be discussed. This course is the first in a three course sequence covering all academic content required to take the Behavior Analysis Certification Exam on the Associate level (BCABA).
EDSE 528 Basic Methods of Applied Behavior Analysis
Prerequisites: EDSE 527 and admission to the BCABA course sequence
This course is the 2nd of a 3-course sequence covering all academic content required to take the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Examination on the associate level. The course focuses on the principles and practices related to the use of behavior analysis methods with students with autism. Students will practice and apply such basic techniques as defining behaviors, setting objectives, identifying reinforcers, gathering data, and designing and carrying out behavior change programs. Students will implement specific research designs and make decisions based on evidence. Additional topics include designing environments that support students with behavior challenges, conducting functional behavioral assessments, and adhering to ethical principles.
EDSE 529 Techniques in Behavior Analysis
Prerequisites: EDSE 527, EDSE 528, and admission to the BCABA course sequence.
This is the 3rd of a 3-course sequence covering all academic content required to take the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Examination on the associate level. Class content includes behavior change techniques, graphic analysis, ethical considerations related to behavior change techniques and behavior analytic systems support.
EDSE 533 Positive Approaches to Behavior Management (3 credits)
This course focuses on how to utilize a variety of positive behavior management strategies within the classroom to increase the learning of students with emotional disturbance, learning disabilities, and mental retardation and autism. Applied behavior analysis provides the basis for the implementation of systematic classroom and individual behavior management plans. Intervention in crisis situations is also addressed.
EDSE 537 Characteristics of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will teach educators about the disabilities under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorders, with an emphasis on autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified. This course will include a discussion of the core behavioral and secondary characteristics, as well as the known physiological components associated with these disorders. Students will learn about the prevalence as well as the common theories on etiologies. Dual diagnoses, co-morbidity, along with medical issues will also be discussed. Additionally, a review of the characteristics across the lifespan, from infancy and toddler-hood through adulthood will be provided. Family concerns and considerations will be discussed in the context of age, development, and need for support.
EDSE 538 Methods for Teaching and Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
This course will teach educators how to review assessment data to choose and implement effective teaching strategies and curricula for students with autism spectrum disorders. This course reviews current research based strategies used to support students with autism in the areas of communication, sensory issues, social skills and academic learning. Interventions covered include: structured teaching, social skill development, aspects of applied behavior analysis, language/communication interventions, and sensory integration. Students will gain exposure to various curricula to support students in these areas.
ITEC 531 Emerging and Assistive Technologies (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ITEC 510, or permission of instructor
This course explores emerging and assistive technologies in education. Students investigate and analyze innovative educational technologies to determine their educational value. The skills needed for effective planning and leadership to integrate and evaluate these emerging technologies are developed. Students also examine assistive technology and its application within instructional programs to assist those with disabilities. Students learn about specific assistive technology application and become familiar with federal legislation and public policy for accommodating those with special needs.