Summer Training 2008 - What can I Expect?
Generally, each training week is composed of three students of varying ages and abilities, approximately 12-15 professional participants, HANDs staff, and any volunteers/students assisting with the training. Each student with an ASD is paired with a group of 3-5 participants, who will be observing, interacting, working hands-on, and receiving coaching throughout these phases of learning. As each student on the spectrum is well known by the HANDS staff, either through the clinic or outreach events, all activities will be individualized specifically for that student's strengths and interests.
A strong focus of the training throughout the week will be gaining skills in:
- assessment of students
- writing student goals and objectives that are measurable and attainable
- individually teaching skills in a structured and comprehensive format
If accepted as a training participant, you will gain knowledge and understanding of the topics listed below, exposure to a range of children on the autism spectrum with ability to observe and shadow HANDS staff working with the children, and opportunity to practice and receive feedback on techniques and approaches introduced in training.
Professional & Student Participants
Expectations for training are outlined below to ensure the most positive and effective training experience.
- Participants will be expected to complete in full the pre– and post-training packets. This data is essential for reporting purposes to the Indiana Department of Education and reflects the overall effectiveness of the training program.
- Participants will be expected to attend all five days of training.
- Participants will be expected to arrive no more than 30 minutes late OR depart any more than 30 minutes early. Each component of training is necessary for participants to successfully interact and work with the children and many activities build upon one another. As such, staff will have the option to hold participants from hands on activities related to the portions missed.
- Participants will be expected to turn cell phones off or on vibrate during the training week. Staff will provide a number for reaching participants in case of emergency during training.
- Participants will be expected to come to training with an eagerness to learn, participate in discussions and practice new approaches and techniques in role play and classroom settings.
Student Participants only
- Student participants must also be currently working in an educational setting with students on the autism spectrum.
- Student participants are expected to be fully engaged in all discussions and activities, including practice with other participants, hands-on rotations with the children, as well as the final party. Full participation in all aspects of the training experience are vital to a high-quality learning experience. Additionally, participation will be considered in calculating the course grade.
- Student participants will be required to submit a paper on a related topic. The grading rubric will be provided upon request. Some options are below. All paper topics must be approved by Dr. Swiezy.
- Paper topics options include the following:
- Evidence-based practices
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Assessment (Educational or Behavioral)
- Ongoing data-driven decision making
- Social communication skills
- Generalization
- Visual & physical structure
- Skills teaching
- Schedules, tasks, and work systems
- Student grades will not be awarded until all of the following criteria have been met:
- Pre-training packet (due May 16, 2008)
- Attendance at all 5 days of summer training
- Student paper (due August 15, 2008)
- Post-training packet (due October 1, 2008)
A list of participants registering and attending the training will be reported to the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Exceptional Learners due to their sponsorship of this program.
