Special Education—Teacher of Students with Disabilities Program (Autism Specialization), M.A.T.

This program provides teachers with the expansive knowledge base needed to work with children who present with special learning needs, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to meet their unique academic and social needs. The knowledge base includes a wide range of instructional methodologies, including universal design for learning, assistive technology, critical thinking skills, and the ability to modify the classroom to accommodate special needs children.

Candidates are to be aware that the M.A.T. in Special Education includes a choice of coursework in varying exceptionalities or specialization in autism spectrum disorders following completion of the first 21 credits in the TOSD eligibility program. The candidate must notify Graduate Admissions of his/her program choice. The candidate will not be cleared to graduate unless coursework is appropriate to the M.A.T. option of choice.

TOSD Certification Courses
SPEC 605Introduction to Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth3
SPEC 600Introduction to Learning Disabilities3
SPEC 505Working with Families of Students with Disabilities3
SPEC 508Helping Exceptional Children and Youth in the Inclusive Classroom3
SPEC 640Emotional and Behavior Disorders in Children and Youth3
SPEC 669Developing Communication Skills in Atypical Learners3
SPEC 675Corrective Techniques for Teaching the Exceptional Student3
Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialization Courses
SPEC 629Teaching the Student with Autism Spectrum Disorders in School and at Home3
SPEC 678Behavior Interventions for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders3
SPEC 616Teaching High-Functioning Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum3
SPEC 681Teaching Social-Communication Skills to Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)3
Total Credits33

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

To maintain eligibility for continued enrollment in the Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement eligibility program or the Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education program, candidates must maintain a minimum graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0 throughout their course of study at the University. Falling below a 3.0 GPA will result in removal with no recourse for readmission.

On successful completion of the TOSD program, candidates may apply for the endorsement through the Center for Teacher Preparation and Partnerships in P203A. They submit an application for the TOSD along with a copy of their New Jersey teaching certificate (CEAS or Standard) in an instructional area of general education. 

Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive (Praxis II) examination for the degree. Practice materials are available through the Frank Guarini library. The Praxis is not required by the State of New Jersey, however, it is required for the degree. Candidates are encouraged to contact the special education office for further information. 

At the candidate’s request ETS will send the score must send their score to the Registrar’s Office

Candidates must also scan and send their score to the Administrative Assistant in the Department of Special Education:
     
Renita Bhimdass, Administrative Assistant
Department of Special Education
New Jersey City University
Professional Studies Building, Room 350
2039 Kennedy Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: 201-200-3023
Fax: 201-200-3119

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Semester 1Credits
SPEC 605 Introduction to Education and Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth 3
SPEC 600 Introduction to Learning Disabilities 3
 Credits6
Semester 2
SPEC 505 Working with Families of Students with Disabilities 3
SPEC 508 Helping Exceptional Children and Youth in the Inclusive Classroom 3
 Credits6
Summer 1
SPEC 640 Emotional and Behavior Disorders in Children and Youth 3
SPEC 669 Developing Communication Skills in Atypical Learners 3
 Credits6
Summer 2
SPEC 675 Corrective Techniques for Teaching the Exceptional Student 3
 Credits3
Second Year
Semester 1
SPEC 629 Teaching the Student with Autism Spectrum Disorders in School and at Home 3
SPEC 678 Behavior Interventions for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders 3
 Credits6
Semester 2
SPEC 616 Teaching High-Functioning Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum 3
SPEC 681 Teaching Social-Communication Skills to Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits33

*Eligibility to apply for TOSD is through CTPP in P 203A, 201-200-2069 occurs after the first 21 credits in the TOSD eligibility sequence.

**The Comprehensive Examination for the degree consists of ETS Praxis II in special education-Exam number 5354. Candidates are encouraged to check the examination number with the Special Education Office to be sure there has been no change.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
  2. Demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
  3. Demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
  4. Know and value how individuals are shaped by their life experiences as mediated by factors such as social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and social needs. Candidates will value, and engage in culturally responsive teaching to promote social justice, particularly in our urban areas.
  5. Integrate technology purposefully and meaningfully in teaching and carrying out their professional responsibilities.