Master of Science in Education: Severe Disabilities Autism Specialization
Severe Disabilities: Autism Specialization Program
Off-site Program at The New England Center for Children (NECC)
Faculty
Christine Evans, Associate Professor of Practice, Director of the New England Center for Children Program
Heather Fortin, Assistant Professor of Practice
Description
The Autism Specialization Program is an employee-based program offered on-site to The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) employees in Southborough, Massachusetts. Employees work full time at NECC while attending Simmons courses on site.
The severe disabilities program provides preparation for initial licensure in teaching learners with severe disabilities (PreK-12). The Autism Specialization Program offers specific coursework with a concentration in autism and evidence-based related practices based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Successful program graduates will receive an autism designation on their transcripts. The program is a three-year sequence with courses that include fieldwork in diverse settings and grade levels. Teacher candidates participate in a full year practicum at NECC or one of their partner programs. In addition, inclusive placements in a urban and suburban public school settings provide diverse experiences with English Language Learners and learners with a wide range of learning abilities.
In addition to the Autism Specialization Program, there is also a post master’s licensure certificate program for teacher candidates who already hold a master’s degree in behavior analysis and wish to add a Massachusetts license. These candidates takes specific courses that are required by state regulation and are not eligible for the autism specialization.
Learning Outcomes
Simmons’s Master of Science in Education addresses the Massachusetts Department of Education’s standards for Subject Matter Knowledge and Professional Standards for Teachers.
Requirements for Entry into the Program
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred.
Degree Requirements
Severe Disabilities Autism Specialization
| SPND 400DL | Digital Literacy Modules | 0 |
| SPND 490 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 4 |
| SPND 412 | Inclusion, Consultation and Collaboration for Meaningful Access to Curriculum | 4.00 |
| SPND 443 | Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for Teachers | 4.00 |
| SPND 491 | Analysis of Behavior | 4 |
| SPND 492 | Assessment and Curriculum Modification for Learners With Autism | 4 |
| SPND 493 | Methods of Behavior Assessment | 4 |
| RDG 410 | Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading | 4.00 |
| SPND 494 | Applied Autism Research I & Lab | 4 |
| SPND 495 | Applied Autism Research Ii/Lab | 4 |
| SPND 448 | Foundations of Transition Education & Services | 4.00 |
| TESL 417 | Sheltered English Instruction | 4.00 |
| SPND 496 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 498 | Seminar / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 497 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities/Autism II | 2 |
| SPND 499 | Seminar/Autism II | 2 |
Post Master’s Licensure Program Certificate - 30 Credit program
| SPND 400DL | Digital Literacy Modules | 0 |
| SPND 490 | Introduction to Exceptionalities | 4 |
| SPND 443 | Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for Teachers | 4.00 |
| SPND 492 | Assessment and Curriculum Modification for Learners With Autism | 4 |
| RDG 410 | Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading | 4.00 |
| SPND 498 | Seminar / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 495 | Applied Autism Research Ii/Lab | 4 |
| SPND 498 | Seminar / Autism I | 2 |
| TESL 417 | Sheltered English Instruction | 4.00 |
| SPND 496 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities / Autism I | 2 |
| SPND 497 | Practicum: Severe Disabilities/Autism II | 2 |
| SPND 499 | Seminar/Autism II | 2 |