Master of Science in Education: Severe Disabilities Autism Specialization

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 400DLDigital Literacy Modules

0

SPND 490Introduction to Exceptionalities

4

SPND 412Inclusion, Consultation and Collaboration for Meaningful Access to Curriculum

4.00

SPND 443Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for Teachers

4.00

SPND 491Analysis of Behavior

4

SPND 492Assessment and Curriculum Modification for Learners With Autism

4

SPND 493Methods of Behavior Assessment

4

RDG 410Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading

4.00

SPND 494Applied Autism Research I & Lab

4

SPND 495Applied Autism Research Ii/Lab

4

SPND 448Foundations of Transition Education & Services

4.00

TESL 417Sheltered English Instruction

4.00

SPND 496Practicum: Severe Disabilities / Autism I

2

SPND 498Seminar / Autism I

2

SPND 497Practicum: Severe Disabilities/Autism II

2

SPND 499Seminar/Autism II

2

Post Master’s Licensure Program Certificate - 30 Credit program

SPND 400DLDigital Literacy Modules

0

SPND 490Introduction to Exceptionalities

4

SPND 443Special Education Laws, Regulations, and Process for Teachers

4.00

SPND 492Assessment and Curriculum Modification for Learners With Autism

4

RDG 410Multisensory Structured Language Strategies for Reading

4.00

SPND 498Seminar / Autism I

2

SPND 495Applied Autism Research Ii/Lab

4

SPND 498Seminar / Autism I

2

TESL 417Sheltered English Instruction

4.00

SPND 496Practicum: Severe Disabilities / Autism I

2

SPND 497Practicum: Severe Disabilities/Autism II

2

SPND 499Seminar/Autism II

2