Autism Added Authorization

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has recently revised program requirements for teachers of students with Autism. Beginning in Fall 2010, every candidate for the Education Specialist program will receive training in Autism. If you currently hold an Education Specialist credential in Early Childhood Special Education or Moderate/Severe, you already have training in Autism and are NOT required to obtain this new Added Authorization. However, anyone who received their Education Specialist credential in Mild/Moderate prior to Fall 2010 AND who currently works with or is interested in working with children with Autism must complete an Added Authorization. Additionally, persons with a Learning Handicapped Credential, Education Specialist in other areas must also obtain the new Added Authorization.

At CSU Fullerton the Added Authorization consists of the following four classes (at 3 units each):

SPED 401 Introduction to Autism (pre-requisite to 502) (ONLINE)
SPED 502 Teaching Strategies for Students with ASD (ONLINE)
SPED 522 Positive Behavior Support
SPED 533 Collaboration (ONLINE)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Are any of the classes offered online?
A. SPED 401, 502, and 533 are currently online classes; 522 is currently a face-to-face class

Q. When are these classes offered?
A. SPED 401 and 533 are offered during the fall 2010 semester. SPED 502 and 522 will be offered in spring 2011.

Q. What if I earned my credential from CSU Fullerton and have already taken 522 and 533?
A. Those are honored. You will only need to take the remaining two courses.

Q. What if I feel I have already taken one or more of these classes from a different institution?
A. You will need to submit a Course Equivalency Petition and transcripts to the Department Chair for approval to waive any courses.

Q. Can I take all 12 units at the same time?
A. No. SPED 401 is a pre-requisite to SPED 502 so you'll need to take this class first. You may take any of the other classes in any order you wish. Recommended: 401 and 533, then 502 and 522.

Q. If I have an Education Specialist Credential with an Authorization to teach Moderate-Severe (or SH credential), or an Early Childhood Special Education credential, do I need to get this authorization?
A. No, you have already had training in Autism!

Q. I am currently finishing an Education Specialist Credential with an Authorization to teach Mild/Moderate at CSU Fullerton, do I need take these classes?
A. Yes. Only credential students completing the "new program" which begins Fall 2010 will have this content already embedded into their program plan.

Q. If I have a Life Ryan credential do I need this Added Authorization?
A. Yes.

Q. Who can I contact for more information?
A. Suzanne Robinson at 657.278.5858 or srobinson@fullerton.edu