Orientation to graduate education programs and readiness for online learning to be completed during the student’s first semester of enrollment. Expectations related to scholarly writing skills are introduced.

Overview of approaches to educational research and pertinent educational theoretical frameworks. Students will examine the role of action research in their practice.

Identify and review scholarly literature, critically evaluate research, and develop skills to write an effective literature review related to topics in autism education.

Students examine the systematic design feature of action research, with a focus on selecting effective data tools and creating an implementation plan for a research project.

Students examine evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of action research data, as well as designing strategies for instructional adjustment and re-evaluation.

Using foundational methods of design and analysis, students conduct action research related to autism education. A capstone research project, including a review of literature, a systematic inquiry of a research problem, implementation of an intervention, analysis and interpretation of data, and reflection for instructional adjustment.

Expands the use of technology tools in teaching situations and includes an action inquiry project using a technology-infused solution. Discusses issues related to technology and its use in schools.

Examination of socio-cultural concerns and ethics related to educational foundations with emphasis on contemporary issues influencing curriculum, pedagogy, inclusion, human relations, educational policy, and social justice.