Accessing the Curriculum through Numeracy for Students with Autism, Post Primary

Course Description

This one day seminar explores the concept of numeracy in the context of teaching students with autism. It provides an overview of assessment and offers useful approaches and strategies to enable the acquisition and employment of numeracy skills for students with autism. There is also an emphasis on building upon numeracy skills needed for functional  independent living. Participants should have already completed a seminar or course in working with pupils with autism prior to attending.

Anticipated Outcomes

Participants will

• Revise the current research on teaching and learning of numeracy for students with autism in the context of the post primary setting.
• Reflect on the importance of teacher knowledge of the learning profile of students with autism
• Elaborate on current strategies and approaches for the development of numeracy skills across the social and academic world of the child with autism
• Explore the concept of differentiation as a means of access to the curriculum
• Advance the concepts of adapting curriculum content, process and product
• Critically explore relevant assessment tools to identify and advance numeracy skills
• Explore practical and inclusive interventions, approaches and strategies for the development of numeracy skills

Course Outline and Content

• Current research in numeracy and autism
• Development of numeracy skills across the curriculum for students with autism
• Assessing and planning for progression in numeracy
• Functional numeracy for students with autism
• Focused and purposeful interventions with reference to national policy and research-based practices
• Creating a strategy toolbox
• Development of skills in numeracy – to advance the development of a profile of numeracy practices for each learner
• Brief exploration of digital technology

Information for Applicants

The course is open to

• Teachers working in classes for student(s) with Autism in a mainstream setting
• Teachers in Special Schools who are currently working with student(s) with Autism
• Full-time Special Education Teachers who are currently working with student(s) with Autism
• Participants will require permission from the Board of Management to attend. Typically, substitution for this seminar will only be allowed to classroom teachers with primary responsibility for students with a special educational need and if it is deemed absolutely essential by the Principal
• Typically substitution will only be allocated to non - substitute teachers
• Payment is not available to teachers in a substitute capacity

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.