The increased demands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) create many challenges for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This laminated reference guide by Wendy Ashcroft, Sue Argiro and Joyce Keohane presents a step-by-step process for assessing students' strengths and challenges, developing accommodations and modifications, and selecting instructional strategies to be incorporated into a standards-based individual education program (IEP). It is designed for use with students in grades 1-8. The six-page (tri-fold) guide includes detailed examples of applying the process for students needing moderate (level 1) support to those needing very substantial (level 3) support. It describes an array of autism-specific, teacher friendly, evidence-based practices for addressing social skills, communication, and behavior. In addition, Autism & CCSS includes ideas for capitalizing on the strengths of learners with ASD, such as intense focus on areas of interest, logical thinking, attention to detail, visual processing, and rote memory. About the Authors: Wendy Ashcroft, EdD is the director of field experience at Christian Brothers University (CBU) in Memphis, Tennessee. She enthusiastically teaches both graduate and undergraduate education courses and she supervises practicum and student teaching experiences for developing teachers. In addition, she initiated and is continuously developing a special education degree and teaching licensure at CBU and is a doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D). Ashcroft earned a BA in psychology at Rhodes College and both an MEd and EdD in Special Education at the University of Memphis. Her areas of expertise include using principles of applied behavior analysis for teaching. For 11 years, she was a public school classroom teacher for students with autism, intellectual, physical, and multiple disabilities. For 21 years, she was a special education administrator at both the building and central office levels. She is known widely for her leadership of Project REACH, a Shelby County Schools program that provides support and training for school personnel and parents interested in children with autism. She is also an active leader of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). She is co-author of the book Success Strategies for Teaching Kids with Autism and, with Joyce Keohane and Sue Argiro, the laminated guides, Autism: Strategies from A to Z (elementary and middle school editions), Autism & CCSS, and Autism: Classroom Success with Applied Behavior Analysis, published by NPR, Inc./Dude Publishing . Sue Argiro is a special educator with over 20 years experience working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. She received her master's degree in special education from the University of Memphis, having begun her teaching career as an elementary school teacher. Before joining the specialized autism program for Shelby County Schools (Project REACH) in Memphis, TN, she taught special education at the elementary level. Currently, Argiro works as a student response team consultant providing support for all classroom personnel, related service providers and administrators of children with autism and other related disabilities from pre-school through high school. In addition, she provides training to parents and provides support to programs conducted in the students' homes. She presents annually at national and international special educational conferences throughout the United States. Argiro is a co-author, with Wendy Ashcroft and Joyce Keohane of two laminated reference guides, Autism Strategies: A-Z (elementary and middle school versions), and Autism & CCSS, published by National Professional Resources, Inc./Dude Publishing. Joyce Keohane received a bachelor's degree in education from Union University in Jackson, TN, and a master's degree in special education from University of Memphis. While serving as a tutor for students with learning challenges, she recognized what she wanted to focus on in her career. She became a member of Future Teachers of America and followed that path to meet her goal. Joyce has 20 years experience as a special education classroom teacher in public schools and received Teacher of the Year and special educator awards from local television agencies and non-profit organizations, as well as school-based recognitions. Keohane now serves her public school district as a special education supervisor for the Behavior Consultant support team. This team provides professional development in many areas including disability awareness, autism, emotional/behavioral disorders and crisis management. Over 1,000 staff members and parents are involved in these training sessions each year. She has co-written the NPR, Inc./Dude Publishishing laminated reference guides Autism: Strategies A to Z (elementary and middle school editions), and Autism & CCSS, with Wendy Ashcroft and Sue Argiro. This trio has presented at the local, state, national, and international level. Their presentations focus on evidence-based practices for students with special needs, particularly in the area of autism spectrum disorders and emotional disturbance. Keohane mentors new teachers, behavior consultants, and administrators as she shares her passion for special students and their families.
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