PROVIDENCE, R.I. - May 17, 2011 - The Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) has teamed-up with the Autism Project of Rhode Island (APRI) to offer a series of courses designed for teachers and related personnel who are interested in developing specialized knowledge and skills for educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Completion of the six courses will lead to an Endorsement of Advanced Study from the university.
Classes begin this summer term with one offering per term now through 2012. Information and registration forms are available at www.theautismproject.org. Each course costs $750.
Classes are scheduled as follows:
Summer 2011: Structured Teaching and Visual Supports, meets Tuesdays, June 7-August 2, 2011 from 4:30-8:00 at JWU Harborside Campus.
Fall 2011: Applied Behavior Analysis & Positive Behavior Supports; Winter 2011-12: Communication Systems; Spring 2012: Sensory integration; Summer 2012: Relationship-Based Approaches
Classes will be led by autism professionals from the Autism Project and R.I. public schools. "The professionals working with the Autism Project have been researching, teaching with and consulting on the best practices for educating individuals with autism for 15 years," Joanne Quinn, executive director, APRI says. "These courses will bring that knowledge to more professionals working in the field of education of individuals with autism in their public schools."
The courses combine classroom time with field-based guided experience and include concrete and adaptive materials related to each topic. Methods for conducting ongoing assessment of the effects of the different practices will be taught along with pathways for making modifications to programs.
"As more children placed in regular classrooms are being diagnosed with ASD it is imperative that all educators (classroom and special needs educators and school administrators) have a solid understanding of the best practices that work with these children," John Ribeiro, Ed.D, director of Professional Development, JWU notes.
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University (JWU)is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with approximately 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students at its four campuses in Providence, RI; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, NC. An innovative educational leader, the university offers programs in business, nutrition and health sciences, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 152 countries pursuing careers worldwide.