Project Description:
The Center on Disabilities and Human Development at the University of Idaho with support from the Idaho State Department of Education provides coaching and training services to support school-based teams providing services to students with autism and other related disorders.
State coaches have been specifically trained to use the methodology outlined by the Idaho Autism team. The Idaho Autism team participated as one of four states in a specialized autism training forum in Denver Colorado in March of 2006. A pilot with two schools was implemented in fiscal year 2007 and modifications to the process were made based on the outcome of the pilot. In fiscal year 2013 the project is working with 32 schools across 21 districts.
The goals of the project are to: 1) Promote optimal development and learning of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders; 2) Increase the number of highly qualified personnel serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; 3) Increase the capacity of schools and districts to implement evidence-based practices; and 4) Provide ongoing professional development to those teaching learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Coaching and training involves an: 1) Initial review of existing services and support; 2) Development of an action plan to align existing program with evidence-based practices upon initial assessment results; and 3) In-service training and support to staff to carry out action plan.
School-based teams learn about: 1) Goal setting, evidence-based instructional practices, and how to build supports across a variety of school environments for students on the Autism Spectrum; 2) Implementation of evidence-based strategies and how to evaluate program quality and effectiveness; 3) Reducing problem behaviors and increasing student achievement for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
