Our Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) concentration prepares you to serve students with ASD from birth to age 21 in a variety of educational settings addressing mild, moderate, and severe needs. If you're not already a Tier 3 or Tier 4 Minnesota licensed teacher, you will also need to complete the Standards of Effective Practice concentration. This additional concentration meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Standards and Licensing Board’s (PELSB) Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice, a requirement for all Tier 3 and Tier 4 licensed teachers.

Total Credits

41

Finish in as Few as

18-28 months (plus thesis)

Courses

• Writing the Thesis (EDUC795)

  Introduction to the educational research process including planning for the process of writing and defending a thesis. Recognition of the characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, meta-analysis, and action research designs. Reflection on research ethics from a Christian worldview. Demonstration of academic research and writing skills including APA formatting proficiency. Summarization of current, relevant literature on a feasible topic. Creation of a prospectus that contains key components of a proposed study. Exploration of a significant educational issue relevant to the student's professional involvement through an independent thesis or collaborative, research project. Oral defense of student’s thesis or project following collaboration with thesis advisor to ensure guidelines have been followed and requirements have been met as noted in the Bethel University Graduate Education Thesis Handbook.

  4 credits

• Instructional Strategies for Students with Mild-Moderate Disabilities (SPED618)

  Interpretation of student performance data, employing differentiation strategies for diverse needs, and applying evidence-based instructional practices for students with mild-moderate disabilities. Creation of positive learning environments and exploration of the connection between faith concepts and K-12 special education. Development of skills for resource search and citation, distinguishing between research-based, non-research-based, and scholarly sources. Development of skills to find, review, and summarize scholarly articles and adhere to APA style while linking academic research to evidence-based practices.

  4 credits

• Characteristics of ASD (ASD) (SPED643)

  Identification of theories, research, legal requirements and medical perspectives related to serving ASD students. Synthesis of information associated with ASD. Examination of early indicators of ASD. Identification of associated factors and their relationship to ASD behavior. Presentation of the impact of factors on ASD students. Evaluation of professional ASD-related resources.

  2 credits

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Evaluation, Communication, and Intervention Strategies (SPED645)

  Exploration of the intricacies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), covering core characteristics, comorbid conditions, collaboration, and the formulation of comprehensive assessment plans. Students develop instructional strategies targeting social, communication, academic, behavioral, and functional skills. The curriculum explores program modifications, strategies generalization of skills, and designing communication systems and assistive technology for individuals with ASD. The course includes a 35-hour field experience focused on individualized programming, collaboration, and understanding the impact of ASD on individuals and families.

  4 credits

• Planning, Instruction, and Consultation for ASD (ASD) (SPED649)

  Development of individualized programs and interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Collaboration models and techniques for best collaborating with stakeholders. Evaluation of environments, classrooms, and academic lessons for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Creation of instructional strategies and resources for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

  4 credits

• Classroom-based Assessment and Field Experience (SPED655)

  Description of legal, professional, and ethical standards in assessment related to informal assessment measures and environmental factors influencing student achievement and behavior. Description of student’s learning style, strengths, and analysis of behavior based on observations and assessment data. Identification of the influence diversity, age and gender have on assessment.

  4 credits

• Consultation, Collaboration & Resources (SPED675)

  Identification of collaborative partners and structures needed to provide effective special education services to students and their families. Inclusion of community, interagency, educational organizations, and other professional services while considering family background, socioeconomic status, cultural and linguistic diversity. Evaluation of current research and its relevance to planning and implementing emerging special education practices.

  2 credits

Select one from:

• ASD: Student Teaching (SPED781)

  Implementation of procedures necessary to incorporate referral, assessment, evaluation, IEPs, and interventions for students with autism spectrum disorders. Management of timelines and responsibilities including consultation with parents, school and community professionals. Development of strategies for efficacy and engaging resources. Analysis of personal and professional growth as a special educator. (12 consecutive weeks required) FE: ASD student teaching fee: $150, out-of-region fee: $100, out-of-state fee: varies.

  4 credits

• ASD: Practicum (SPED787)

  Implementation of procedures necessary to incorporate interventions and IEPs for students with autism spectrum disorders using engaging resources. Management of timelines, responsibilities, and consultation with parents, school and community professionals. Analysis of personal and professional growth as a special educator. This course is for add-on SPED license candidates (80 required hours in a special education school setting). FE: Practicum fee: $100, out-of-region fee: $100, out-of-state fee: varies.

  3 credits

Credits listed are for the current catalog. The PELSB (Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board) may implement new requirements that may require credit changes.