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Grant Wood Area Education Agency
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DIVERSITY

Cognitive Strategies for High Functioning Autism & Asperger's Syndrome
This course will cover characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, behavior management and a variety of strategies that are designed for working with students with high functioning autism and/or Asperger's Syndrome. The strategies will include TEACCH, social stories, the Incredible 5-point Scale, Cognitive Strategies by Michelle Garcia Winner, Power Cards, Clear Thinking, STAR Plan, and visual supports. The course will include lecture, small group activities, and video clips. Class participation is encouraged and homework assignments will be given.
Number: 4274-11-03
Dates/Time: Jan. 10, 31, & Feb. 21, 2012, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids
Number: 4274-11-04
Dates/Time: Apr. 5, 12, 19, 25, & May 10, 2012, 5-8p.m.
Location: Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids

Audience: Individuals working or living with students (K-21) with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
Registration: Complete registration form or register electronically at least two weeks in advance.
Fees: Registration is not complete until all fees are paid in full two weeks in advance of the first class. A $25 materials fee is included with other fees. Total for non-credit = $25 paid in full at the time of registering. Total for renewal credit = $50 paid in full at the time of registering. Total for Morningside credit = $100 paid in full at the time of registering.
Credit: R, M, PR - 1 Sem. Hr.
Instructor(s): Autism Team, Grant Wood AEA
Notes: This course is approved for Paraeducator Certification Renewal.


Exploring Diversity
This course is designed to foster understanding of cultural differences in gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and spirituality/religion. We will explore our own cultural identities as well as learn about those of other class members. Through class discussions, readings, videos, small group interactions and personal reflection, we will learn how differences may manifest in classroom settings and in the classroom environment. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for facilitation of learning experiences in a multicultural environment.
Number: 4131-11-01
Dates/Time: Jun. 25, 26, & 27, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Grant Wood AEA, 200 Holiday Rd, Coralville

Audience: K-12 Educators, Paraeducators
Registration: Complete registration form or register electronically at least two weeks in advance.
Fees: Registration is not complete until all fees are paid in full two weeks in advance of the first class. Total for non-credit or renewal credit = $80 paid in full at the time of registering. Total for Drake credit = $165 paid in full at the time of registering.
Credit: R, D-EDEX, PR, SAR- 1 Sem. Hr.
Instructor(s): Patrick Highland, Iowa City Community Schools
Notes: This course is approved for Paraeducator Certification Renewal and Substitute Authorization Renewal.


Human Relations
This course meets the State core requirement for Human Relations Training. It is designed to use diverse resources to help educators increase their sensitivity to and acceptance of differing groups within American society today. Films, guest speakers, experiential activities, small and large group interactions, and written assignments will be used to help participants examine their attitudes toward others. Groups or movements which may be specifically explored in the course include Black Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Spanish-surnamed Americans, the women`s movement, feminism, sexism, the aged, the handicapped, and sexual preferences.
Course objectives:
* To demonstrate improved knowledge and sensitivity toward all humans, both personally and collectively.
* To use a multicultural/nonsexist approach to teaching.
* To show the importance of tempering the teaching of facts with the wisdom of human values.
* To demonstrate knowledge of specific racial, ethnic, and minority groups - such as Asians, Blacks and Indians.
* To recognize dehumanizing biases such as racism, sexism, nativism, etc.
* To understand local, state and national laws as they pertain to discrimination.
* To identify your own feelings toward minorities and the general rights of others.
* To discuss the existence of discrimination and prejudice without being defensive or embarrassed.
* To acquire improvement in basic communication skills - listening, responding, attending.
* To see the importance of expanding all students` self-worth and esteem.
* To see the United States as a pluralistic society with each part being significant.
* To appreciate the existence of differing life styles and mindsets within our culture.
Number: 0133-11-01
Dates/Time: Jun. 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids

Audience: K-12 Educators, Paraeducators
Registration: Complete registration form or register electronically at least two weeks in advance.
Fees: Registration is not complete until all fees are paid in full two weeks in advance of the first class. Total for non-credit or renewal credit = $240 paid in full at the time of registering.
Credit: R, PR, SAR- 1 Sem. Hr.
Instructor(s): Patrick Highland, Iowa City Community Schools
Notes: This course is approved for Paraeducator Certification Renewal and Substitute Authorization Renewal.


Visual Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will provide the information and tools needed for basic support of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The content of the class will include lectures covered during the 3 day Structured Teaching in the TEACCH Model class, as well as lectures on social stories, scripting, and communication strategies. There will be some in-class role playing and assignments, question/answer sessions, and video tapes of students. Homework will be assigned to each participant during the first four classes.
Number: 4082-11-03 
Dates/Time: Mar. 29, Apr. 12, 19, 26, May 3, & 10, 2012, 5-8 p.m.
Location: Grant Wood AEA, 200 Holiday Rd, Coralville
Audience: PreK-12 General and Special Education Teachers, Paraeducators, Parents and AEA staff who work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Registration: Complete registration form or register electronically at least two weeks in advance.
Fees: Registration is not complete until all fees are paid in full two weeks in advance of the first class. A $25 materials fee is included with other fees. Total for non-credit = $25 paid in full at the time of registering. Total for renewal credit = $50 paid in full at the time of registering. Total for Morningside credit = $100 paid in full at the time of registering.
Credit: R, M, PR - 1 Sem. Hr.
Instructor(s): Autism Team, Grant Wood AEA
Notes: This course is approved for Paraeducator Certification Renewal.