Post-Graduate Certificate/Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development in Special Educational Needs (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) for Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is providing this course?

   St Angela’s College, Sligo is offering a Post-Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Special Educational Needs (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) in collaboration with the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The programme is accredited by NUI Galway.

2. Does that mean I have to travel to Sligo or Cork to avail of inputs?

   The elements comprising each module are provided for at local and regional level. You will be required to travel to Sligo for an introductory day and registration. Some travel to a central venue will be required throughout the academic year. Travel on some Saturdays (maximum of five) for inputs will also be required.

3. Who can apply for the course?

   Teachers of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders can apply for the course. It is important to note the requirements re. registration, probation and qualification as stated in the circular (CL 0043/2008).

4. Can you tell me about the four modules?

   Post-Graduate Certificate	Module 1: Understanding ASDs: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice Module 2: Assessment, Planning, Applications and Curricular Access for Effective Learning by Students with ASDs. Or Module 3:Teaching Approaches for Students with ASDs
   Post-Graduate Diploma	Module 1: Understanding ASDs: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice Module 2: Assessment, Planning, Applications and Curricular Access for Effective Learning by Students with ASDs Module 3: Teaching Approaches for Students with ASDs Module 4: Implications for Supporting Students with ASDs with reference to Self-management and Behaviour

5. What elements are contained in each module?

   SESS courses (e.g. SESS 4-day introductory course, Understanding Autism (on-line) TEACCH, PECS, ABA etc) form the core elements of the course. A more detailed breakdown of each module is contained in Appendix A attached).

6. What happens if I have completed some elements already?

   Applications from teachers who have already completed relevant SESS courses in the learning and teaching of pupils with ASDs are acceptable. Consideration will be given to applications for accreditation for prior learning (APL) under the College’s APL policies and procedures. Individual applicants will be considered on their own merits.

7. What happens if I miss out on some elements in a module?

   The elements of the Certificate/Diploma can be availed of within a period of two years. If you miss out on any element it can be availed of at a later stage but within the two-year timeframe.

8. What types of assignments will be required?

   The course assignments include essay, case study, practicum and portfolio.

9. Will there be support and lectures with regards to assignment completion?

   Yes, support and lectures will be provided with regards to completion of all assignments. Completion of assignments is an essential part of the course.

10. How many days will I have to be out of my class?

    The programme will require from twenty-three (Certificate) to forty-four (Diploma) days release from school over the two year period.

11. Will substitution cover be provided whilst I am out of my class?

    As with all TES/SESS courses, substitution for attendance at course that are elements of the modules as in Appendix A will be available, if such substitution is deemed to be essential by the Principal.

12. Will I have to pay fees?

    Attendance at the various elements comprising the modules, are paid for by the SESS, through Teacher Education Section, Department of Education & Science. A fee of 300 euro per module for up to a maximum of four modules is the responsibility of each applicant.

13. Can I progress to a Masters in Special Educational Needs (ASDs).

    Those who successfully complete the Post-Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (ASDs), and who satisfy the relevant requirements, are eligible to progress to an MA in Special Educational Needs (ASDs) at St. Angela’s College. Further information on the MA in Special Educational Needs (ASDs) Programme in St. Angela’s College is available on the St. Angela’s website, www.stacs.edu.ie [2].

    Module One	Understanding ASDs: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice	Introductory Day SESS-4 Day Introductory Course Sensory, Motor and Relationship Perspectives of the child with ASD Understanding Autism (on-line) Class Visit-SESS personnel Placement (2)
    Assessment	Literature Review
    Module two	Assessment, Planning and curricular access for Effective Learning by Students with ASDs	ABBLS, PEP3.T-TAP,IEPs etc) Accessing the Curriculum & Differentiation ASD & Co-Morbidity Introduction to ABA Class Visit -SESS personnel PECS Lámh TEACCH (2-day)
    Assessment	Case Study
    Module three	Teaching Approaches for Students with ASD	Applied Behaviour Analysis (on-line) Social Stories Training Floor-Time TEACCH (5-day) Hanen Intensive Interaction Class Visit (SESS team)
    Assessment	Practicum
    Module four	Implications for Supporting Students with ASD with reference to Self-management and Behaviour	Social Skills training Challenging Behaviour Contemporary Applied Behaviour Analysis courses Class Visit - SESS Personnel Class Visit from ABA team (2)
    Assessment	Portfolio