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Autism Specialist - PR
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Credits:
30-39
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Degree:
Master of Education
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Program Approved:
PR Council of Education
Program Description
Teachers in general education and special education today are working with more and more students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This program answers the growing need for more understanding and better preparation for those working with students with severe disabilities. It is designed for experienced teachers and para-professionals, to enhance their working knowledge of the field. It also provides for exploration of new opportunities afforded with this knowledge.
This is not a licensure program and does not lead to BACB certification.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of autism, behavioral issues and severe special needs
Careers
This program will enhance the skills and understanding of:
- Experienced special educators wanting more information to better serve the needs of this growing population.
- General educators who wish to work more effectively in their inclusion classes.
- Para-professionals currently working with students with severe disabilities, to gain a better understanding of the autistic needs and behavioral issues of the students they serve.
- Anyone wanting to know more about this growing field.
Curriculum
This program is 39 credits for those who do not have a Special Education teacher certification from the DEPR and who desire recertification as Autism Teacher.
It is 30 credits for those who have Special Education teacher certification from the DEPR, or who do not aim to be recertified.
Special education teachers learn to apply multiple intelligence and accelerated learning instructional strategies in teaching to the content area standards. Teachers get an overview of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory and its implications. They also experience Lozanov’s accelerated learning structures and translation to brain-based teaching. Teachers learn to select, evaluate, and use teaching and assessment differentiation strategies to meet the needs of special education students in regular education classrooms. They design multiple intelligence and accelerated learning lessons to engage students in acquiring specific knowledge and skills.
Only for those who aim to be recertified by the DEPR, who do not have a valid teacher certificate in special education.
Language acquisition is one of the most important domains within the sciences of the mind. Developments in cognitive neuroscience have made it evident that language has constant neural reorganization. Students develop an overview of the course of language development, biological foundations for language, the major linguistic systems individuals must acquire, and finally the methods of study for language development. Theories of first and second language acquisition and development are introduced. Candidates examine different theories of semantic development, phonological development, morphological development and syntax. Students come to understand the relationship between language acquisition, language impairment, and treatments of children with learning differences including dyslexia as well as other communicative disabilities are also discussed.
This course is designed to cover the basic foundation of the mathematics curriculum in terms of its numerical and geometrics structures for special education students in Puerto Rico. Major topics include: number sense, numeration, estimation, mental math, modeling operations using concrete objects, geometry, spatial sense and measurement.
Program Chair
Core Faculty
Senior Instructor
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Program Requirements
Prior valid Puerto Rico teacher certification in another area required.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
30-39
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Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more