Courses

Course Description

The following are brief descriptions of the courses. Click on the course link to the current University of Idaho catalog.

Summer 2010

EDSP 504 Teaching Learners with Autism Specrum Disorders (3 credits). This course is an advanced course which assumes a basic understanding of assessment and curriculum development, communication disorders, and applied behavior analysis for students with developmental disabilities, which include those with autism spectrum disorders. The course focuses on providing teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to the needs of learners with autism spectrum disorders. Course topics include information regarding: diagnoses, characteristics and diagnostic criteria of learners with ASD; evaluation; development, learning, and behavioral challenges of learners with ASD; guiding principles for working with learners with ASD and their families; evidence-based interventions and strategies; IDEA requirements and issues, including access to the general curriculum; working within a transdisciplinary team model, working effectively with paraprofessionals and related services personnel.

Fall 2010

EDSP 550 Alternative and Augmentative Communication Strategies for Persons with Moderate or Severe Disabilities (3 credits). This course focuses on a process for decision making, models for assessment, assessment strategies, and implementation steps for designing alternative or augmentative communication system.

EDSP 578 Curriculum and Assessment for Students with Severe Disabilities I* (3 credits). First of 2 courses on skills in assessment, design, implementation of instructional programs; measurement, analysis, evaluation; definitions, history; person/family-centered/culturally competent planning, teaming, self-determination. Emphasis on current issues: access to general curriculum, standards-based education, alternate assessment, paraprofessionals. Application of assessment and curriculum in communication, positive behavior supports.

Spring 2011

EDSP 544 Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports for Children and Youth (3 credits). This course focuses on advanced applications of applied behavior analysis and positive behavioral supports for students with significant behavioral challenges. Students map positive behavior support practices; complete comprehensive functional assessment of students with conduct disorders, mental illness, and cognitive impairment; develop comprehensive data-based behavioral supports plans; practice application of advanced behavior change techniques.

EDSP 579 Curriculum and Assessment for Students with Severe Disabilities II (3 Credits). Second of 2 courses on assessment, design and implementation of instructional programs; measurement and progress monitoring; applications in sensory impairments, motor, self-care skills, peer relationships, general curriculum access in reading, math, social studies, science; community referenced instruction, transition and vocational preparation, and assistive technology.

Requirements