Tips & Tricks for Improving Written Expression for Students with ASD

Presenter:

Katie M. Miller, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Exceptional Student Education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) on the Boca Raton campus. She received her doctorate in Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Her research focus is examining evidence-based interventions infusing technology to increase academic performance for students with disabilities. She has a particular interest in Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) in writing. Dr. Miller is passionate about teacher education and finding best practices for increasing special education teacher efficacy.

Training Description

This daylong training will give an overview of the writing process and the issues that students with disabilities, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), face when completing written expression. Participants will get an overview of Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), which is an evidence-based strategy in writing instruction. SRSD has over 130 published studies to date and has been implemented with students in grade 2-12, who are less skilled writers and whom struggle with self-regulation. Studies have been conducted with students with learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional behavioral disorders, and ASD. In addition, some specific technology tools for written expression will be shared with participants, in hopes to make writing a more fun, authentic experience across both school and home settings.

Training Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand and be able to describe the steps to the writing process as well as the characteristics of what “good writers” do to complete the process.
2. Identify common areas that students struggle with while completing the writing process, with a particular emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
3. Understand the steps for implementing Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) in at least one specific genre of writing.
4. Identify and locate specific technology tools that can support students in the writing process at elementary, middle, and secondary levels.
5. Gain knowledge regarding resources for writing intervention and technology tools to support the process.

* 6 In-Service Points (must attend on site to receive in-service points)

At the completion of the workshop PEPSA will provide via email a survey to complete and a certificate to participants that they can submit for CEUs

** All participants will be required to purchase online a visitor parking pass prior to attending the event. Please purchase your Temporary Parking pass in advance at: http://www.fau.edu/parking/permits.php

If you require any additional information about this training, please contact: Mercedes Pagano, 561-212-8058 or paganom@fau.edu