Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement
PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT—AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
12 CREDITS
This is a unique 12-credit program for certified teachers who are interested in learning and gaining additional experience in autism spectrum disorders. It provides them with multi-disciplinary perspectives and approaches to working with children with ASD and their families. Master’s degree candidates interested in specializing in autism can apply these courses as electives to the program.
The Autism Concentration program is one component of a university-wide initiative to bring attention to the need for coordinated sharing of knowledge, perspectives and advances in the support and education of individuals with autism and their families. As a center for educational, health, psychological, and social service studies in this area, La Salle is prepared to help address the many aspects of life touched by autism. Collaborating with other interested groups beyond the university community, La Salle hopes to provide an incubator for the development of advanced skills and accelerated sharing of emerging best practices in school and home for supporting these children and optimizing their human potential.
Pennsylvania Department of Education defines program endorsements as certifications in new or emerging areas of knowledge where formal certification does not exist. The Program Endorsement is intended to improve a teacher’s skills in dealing with complex classroom settings. These endorsements are added to existing Level I or Level II Certificates.
In addition to the standard admission requirements for Graduate Education, applicants must also provide a valid teaching certificate or evidence of completion of all requirements for certification, including passing scores on all relevant PRAXIS exams.
Students can earn either a Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders (30 credits) or a Program Endorsement only in Autism Spectrum Disorders (12 credits)
Course Sequence
EDC 655 Dimensions of Autism
EDC 657 Systems Approach with Families and Educators
EDC 665 Communication Strategies for Teachers of ASD Children and Youth
EDC 667 Implementing the IEP in the Inclusive Classroom
