OAKLAND UNIVERSITY. Graduate Education. Modify Approved Graduate Academic Program. merge programs split program rename program X modify program

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1 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COUNCIL Graduate Education 520 O Dowd Hall Modify Approved Graduate Academic Program The Graduate Council approves all major curriculum changes, deletions and additions to graduate certificate, graduate degree and doctoral degree programs. Proposals and other actions pertaining to policies and procedures governing graduate education must be approved by the Council and then submitted to the Provost, Senate and Board, as applicable, for approval. Academic units, modifying the curriculum of an existing graduate program or renaming, merging or splitting a program must submit a proposal to Graduate Council for review and approval. Major program modifications include course deletions or additions that change the nature of the program, or distribution of courses in the program, or change of total credit hours required. Please complete this brief proposal and submit an electronic copy to Claire merge programs split program rename program X modify program Effective Term/Year Fall 2014 Name of Current Program(s) Master of Education Name of Proposed Program(s) Master of Education Department Human Development and Child Studies (HDCS) College/School School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) I certify that the above proposal has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department and College/School committees: Dept Chair or Director (signature) Date Dept Chair or Director (print) Dean of College/School (signature) Date Dean of College/School (print) DECISION OF GRADUATE COUNCIL Date

2 Oakland University: Graduate Council Modify Approved Academic Program 1. List proposed program changes related to merging, splitting, renaming or modifying a program. 1.1 Current academic program(s) We currently offer a Master of Education in Special Education with three concentrations: Specific Learning Disability Emotional Impairment Autism Spectrum Disorder 1.2 Proposed modification to current program (brief description): This proposed modification adds a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The concentration courses were previously approved as Options Comprehensive, and Basic of the Certificate Program in Autism Spectrum Disorder. 2. Describe the reason(s) for the proposed change. Michigan's Autism Insurance Reform legislation (PA 99 and PA 100 of 2012) went into effect on October 15, PA 99 and 100 of 2012 state that the treatment of an individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) must be evidence-based and recognizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as an evidencebased intervention. According to the Michigan ASD State Plan (December, 2012), ABA is one of the top 15 services needed by families. In the past 6 months, over a third (37%) of the families surveyed said that ABA was a needed service yet, only 17% of families used ABA services in the past 6 months. This could be due in part to the expense, but also could be due to the availability of ABA therapists to meet the need. In addition, the new legislation states that behavioral treatment/services must be provided or supervised by a board certified behavior analyst. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is the national organization that regulates the certification of Behavior Analysts in the United States. Recently, the BACB changed its requirements for those who can apply for the national certification. Previously, the BACB accepted applicants with a Master s degree in a variety of areas including counseling, social work, medicine, engineering, speech and language therapy, education, behavioral analysis, and psychology. Beginning December 2015, the BACB will only accept applicants who have a Master s in one of three areas: education, behavior analysis, or psychology. Approximately 165 people have expressed interest in our next cohort for the ABA certificate. Of that number, approximately one-third lack the needed Master s in an approved area. Presently, Michigan has only 163 BCBAs, not enough to meet the growing need for behavioral services given the passage of the insurance reform bill. The proposed course sequence will result in a Master s degree in an approved area (education) and provide the courses leading to eligibility for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA). Incorporating the certificate courses into the Master s degree as a concentration allows students to complete the requirements sooner and enter into practice sooner, thus reducing the shortage in this profession.

3 This master s program is one of the few that offers university sponsored practicum experiences that can lead to BCBA certification by providing both the master s degree in education and the practicum hours to qualify graduates to take the national exam. For those individuals who select not to complete the practicum hours as part of the master s program they can exit with the electives to complete only the master s degree. The proposed changes will allow students to select one of two exit options. The practicum exit option correlates to the ABA certificate: Comprehensive that provides specific course content in behavioral principles and techniques and practicum hours that have been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and will fulfill the course and practicum hours required for the BACB certificate. In addition, prior to sitting for the BACB exam, individuals must also hold a master s degree in one of three disciplines (Behavior Analysis, Education, or Psychology) prior to sitting for the national exam. The elective exit option allows students who have their own access to practicum supervision to complete the 1500 practicum hours (Supervised Independent Fieldwork) independent of the university. This option, elected by the student, does not have to be approved by the national board (BACB) and the university has no responsibility beyond delivering the courses. There are multiple elective opportunities in this option in lieu of the practicum credits (10) for students to expand their knowledge in special education. The electives exit option correlates to the ABA certificate: Basic providing only the course content required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB). These individuals would need to complete additional 1500 supervised practicum hours, independent of the university, and complete the degree in order to sit for the BACB exam. 3. Current program(s) requirements. (admission requirements, program requirements, course offerings, delivery method and advising structure). 3.1 Admission Requirements: Admission to the Master of Education in special education degree program is selective. In making admission recommendations to the M.Ed. in special education program, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, supplemental program form, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirement established by the academic program. To be admitted to the M.Ed. in special education degree program in full standing, the applicant must have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0, but with an appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation, may be considered for admission in limited standing. Students who qualify for this admission classification must complete a maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework with a grade of 3.0 or above in each courses within the first three academic terms from the time of initial enrollment. Current catalog includes this statement as a requirement: Copy of current (or most recent) teaching certificate or verification of pending certificate. 3.2 Program Requirements: Students must complete the 44 credits of graduate coursework, including degree core, concentration, and exit courses. Students must complete the credits required for the degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

4 within the six-year period required by the university. Students must apply to graduate by the deadlines set by the university in order to be eligible to graduate. 3.3 Course Offerings: Comparison of current ASD Teacher Education concentration and proposed ABA concentrations. Courses may be offered on campus, online, or Macomb Current Concentration: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (this concentration remains in the program) (Total Credits: 44) Core Requirements (25 credits) SE 503 (4) Standards, Research and Practice in Special Education SE 502 (4) Legal Issues in Special Education SE 524 (4) Assessment in Special Education SE 600 (4) Quality of Life Electives (6) (Must have adviser approval) SE 505 (3) Community Engagement and Service (Additional credits may be used as partial fulfillment of the electives requirement; must have adviser approval) Master of Education: Special Education Proposed Concentration: APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) (this is the proposed additional concentration) (Total Credits: 44) Core Requirements (16 credits) SE 503 (4) Standards, Research and Practice in Special Education SE 502 (4) Legal Issues in Special Education SE 526 (2) Assessments for Interventions Across the Lifespan SE 600 (4) Quality of Life SE 505 (2) Community Engagement and Service ASD Concentration (15 credits) (teacher cert.) SE 559 (3) Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder SE 527 (3) Educational Procedures for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder SE 578 (3) Communication and Language Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorder SE 579 (3) Behavioral and Social Issues with Autism Spectrum Disorder SE 596 (3) Collaboration and Consultation Skills: Autism Spectrum Disorder Exit Options: (4 credits) Exit Option A: SE 591 (4) Practicum: Autism Spectrum Disorder K-12 Exit Option B: Approved Electives (4) must have adviser approval ABA Concentration (18 credits) (BCBA cert.) SE 570 (4) Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis SE 571 (4) Behavioral Assessment SE 572 (4) Treatment Planning SE 573 (3) Research Methods SE 574 (3) Ethics Exit Options (10 credits) Exit Option: Practicum (10 credits) SE 511 (2) Practicum: Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis SE 512 (2) Practicum: Behavioral Assessment SE 513 (2) Practicum: Treatment Planning SE 514 (2) Practicum: Research SE 515 (2) Practicum: Ethics Exit Option: Electives (10 credits) Approved Electives (6) must have adviser approval SE 643 (4) Human Motivation in Organizations

5 3.4 Delivery Method: Courses are presented online, hybrid, or face-to-face. 3.5 Advising Structure: Students are advised by the faculty within the Department of Human Development and Child Studies. 4. Proposed change to the program. (admission requirements, program requirements, course offerings, delivery method and advising structure) We are proposing the following changes in admissions: Elimination of a teaching certificate Interview may be required for this concentration Rationale for changes: As clinicians in the field of applied behavior analysis, individuals have a legal and ethical responsibility to the profession. The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) states that behavior analysts must maintain high standards of professional behavior. Clinicians must be able to understand and utilize scientifically and professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments, must be able to think critically and quickly, and must be able to successfully communicate with others. Given these professional requirements, prospective students may be required to participate in an interview with a committee convened by the Department of Human Development and Child Studies. Because the graduates from the degree program may or may not apply for a teaching credential, the decision was made not to require one on admission. 4.a: Proposed Revisions to Admission Requirements: We recommend that these present admission requirements remain: In making admission recommendations to the M.Ed. in special education program, the department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, supplemental program form, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirement established by the academic program. To be admitted to the M.Ed. in special education degree program in full standing, the applicant must have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0, but with an appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation, may be considered for admission in limited standing. Students who qualify for this admission classification must complete a maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework with a grade of 3.0 or above in each courses within the first three academic terms from the time of initial enrollment. We recommend that the following admission requirements be included for the M.Ed. in special education with a concentration in ABA: The M.Ed. in special education, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is competitive. A limited number of students will be admitted. Interviews may be required for candidates under consideration. Since this program is rigorous in coursework, candidates should be able to articulate their commitment to the program. During the interview, candidates must be able to demonstrate a

6 reasonable level of awareness of the principles of applied behavior analysis, effective interpersonal skills, and discuss past experiences that highlight their commitment to high quality work. As part of the interview, candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample in response to a question posed by the committee. 4.b: Program Requirements: See Table 3.3 for requirements. The graduate programs in special education are guided by the principles of quality, diversity, and integrity as we help students prepare themselves for successful, relevant careers. The purpose of the M.Ed. in special education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is to graduate students who are academically prepared to meet the rigorous demands of this growing field. Students must complete the 44 credits of graduate coursework, including degree core, concentration, and exit courses. The courses in this ABA concentration and courses in the practicum have been approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). Coursework includes an overview of philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis, behavior analytic skills, experimental design, behavioral change, organizing/analyzing/interpreting data, intervention selection, stimulus and response generalization, and effective program monitoring. As can be noted in table 3.3 several core courses overlap both the current ASD concentration and the proposed ABA concentration. In order to sit for the national exam, the final step to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential, students must first: Complete an approved series of courses (by the Behavior Analysts Certification Board) Hold a master s degree in an approved discipline (education, psychology or human behavior) Complete clinical/practicum hours (three options) Options for completion of clinical/practicum hours: INDEPENDENT PRACTICUM (1000 hours BCBA): When students complete the five (practicum) courses (SE 511, 512, 513, 514, 515) toward the practicum, they will have completed 1000 practicum/ experience hours. These practica must be taken as part of a university practicum program approved by the BACB and taken for graduate academic credit. This practicum sequence at OU has been approved by the BACB (PRACTICUM (1000 hours BCBA). SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT FIELDWORK (1500 hours BCBA): Students must complete 1500 hours of Supervised Independent Fieldwork in behavior analysis. Students must find their own practicum sites and identify a supervising BCBA. Students opting for the electives exit option would be in this category and need to arrange for experiences independent of a university program. This option does not need approval from the BACB. INTENSIVE PRACTICUM (750 hours BCBA) Students must complete, with a passing grade, 750 hours of Intensive Practicum in behavior analysis within a university practicum program approved by the BACB and taken for graduate academic credit. OU does not have approval for this option as of yet.

7 4.c: Course Offerings: (gray area: Concentration in ABA, yellow: Exit options) Note semesters when courses are projected to be offered. Course Number Course Name Frequency (or semesters offered SE 503 Standards, Research and Practice in Special Education F,W,S SE 502 Legal Issues in Special Education F,W,S SE 526 Assessments for Interventions Across the Lifespan Once a year SE 600 Quality of Life F,W SE 505 Community Engagement and Service F,W,S SE 570 Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis As needed for cohort* SE 571 Behavioral Assessment As needed for cohort* SE 572 Treatment Planning As needed for cohort* SE 573 Research As needed for cohort* SE 574 Ethics As needed for cohort* SE 511 Practicum: Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis As needed for cohort* SE 512 Practicum: Behavioral Assessment As needed for cohort* SE 513 Practicum: Treatment Planning As needed for cohort* SE 514 Practicum: Research As needed for cohort* SE 515 Practicum: Ethics As needed for cohort* SE 643 Human Motivation in Organizations Once a year *Particular terms vary based on start date 4.d: Delivery Method: Courses in the M.Ed. program in special education are approved and offered face-to-face, hybrid, and/or online. 4.e: Advising Structure: Students are assigned an advisor at the time of entrance into the program. The advisor reviews the Program Plan with the student and signs off on the Program Plan once it is reviewed and approved. Students may also seek additional advising by appointment with the advisor.

8 4.1 Please provide a sample program under the proposed requirements. Section 45.c demonstrates the approximate schedule that courses would be offered. The timing of these sequences may vary depending on the needs of a cohort. Content Courses are typically delivered one per term (fall, winter, summer, fall, winter, e.g.) until completed. Students in the practicum exit option also complete the companion practicum course concurrently. 5. Provide a list of all new courses and deleted courses. Identify and label the course as core, focus (concentration, depth) elective or exit requirement. Course Title Focus Credits Prerequisite Equivalent New or Delete Identify Course SE 570 Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration 4 SE 571 Behavioral Assessment Concentration 4 SE 570 SE 572 Treatment Planning Concentration 4 SE 570 SE 573 Research Methods Concentration 3 SE 570 SE 574 Ethics Concentration 3 SE 570 SE 511 Practicum: Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis Exit Option 2 SE 570 SE 512 Practicum: Behavioral Assessment Exit Option 2 SE 570 SE 513 Practicum: Treatment Planning Exit Option 2 SE 570 SE 514 Practicum: Research Exit Option 2 SE 570 SE 515 Practicum: Ethics Exit Option 2 SE 570 SE 526 SE 643 Assessments for Interventions Across the Lifespan Human Motivation in Organizations Core 2 New Exit Option 4 New * New to the degree but exists within the certification program

9 5.1 Do any of the courses being deleted affect other degree programs? No. Courses not required for this concentration are still required in other concentrations. 6. If any resources needed (personnel, FTE academic, facilities or equipment) please provide budget. If no resources required, please provide a statement in the proposal. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Students taking practicum Exit Option will complete 1000 practicum hours as required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These practica require extensive observations by a certified BCBA and facilities site agreements. Depending on the location, there may be costs involved for one or both. As the concentration portion of the degree program is already being offered as a graduate certificate program, start up costs have been accounted for. We also have a recently approved tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level for Fall 2014 that will require BCBA certification and include coordination of the program and supervision of students. We have been granted funding from the Dean to hire a consultant to provide a business plan for our own practicum site, thus reducing some of the possible fees for supervision and/or facilities. 7. Funding sources: state sources, federal funds, and other funds as specified. General fund; In process of seeking additional funds through the state 8. If the program is professionally accredited, identify the accrediting body and discuss how the proposed change may affect accreditation. The attachment of these certificate courses to a degree does not affect approval status. The concentration courses have approval by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB ). The BACB is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. The BACB adheres to the national standards for boards that grant professional credentials. The BACB certification procedures and content undergo regular psychometric review and validation, pursuant to a job analysis survey of the profession and standards established by content experts in the field. For more information: 9. Impact on current students, enrollment, time-to-degree, target audience, faculty workload, etc. Courses within the concentration (ABA) must be taught by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The Provost has recently approved a tenure track Assistant Professor position in ABA (with BCBA credential). Posting will soon be released. During the past year, the Department has hired BCBAs from Children s Hospital of Michigan and the Beaumont Health System to teach the courses in ABA (lecturer status).

10 10. Provide explanation for how students enrolled in the program prior to effective date of any curriculum change may complete their program under old requirements if so desired. The courses required must remain available, or suitable substitutions specifically designated. Students in the M.Ed. in Special Education with another concentration are seeking teaching credentials from the state and are not likely to transfer to this concentration. However, should that be the case, most core courses will apply. If they select the exit option without the practicum, other courses may be counted as electives. Should students wish to transfer to the degree program from the current ABA certificate program, they will be able to apply all courses taken under the certificate status.