An endorsement can be added to a current educator certificate by passing approved coursework and applying to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Subject area tests are not available for endorsements. For more information about the endorsements listed below, visit Florida’s Personnel Development Supporting Students with Disabilities website.
The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) has worked with districts to secure adoption of the ASD endorsement courses into their local Professional Learning Catalog (formerly known as the Master In-Service Plan). Credit for endorsement courses must be secured through either a district PLC or an institution of higher education. Offerings through FDLRS are free of charge and depending on the district, may be adopted into local PLCs. Please check with your local FDLRS for additional information and availability of these courses. You can locate your center by district on the FDLRS website.
The three courses listed below are designed for individuals who have access to students and want to earn their endorsement in ASD.
Nature, Needs, Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the nature and needs of students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the basics of autism, evidenced-based practices, sensory differences and the development of quality IEPs. Field experience is embedded in the course. (80 inservice credits)
Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems and Assistive/Instructional Technology for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the area of communication, augmentative and assistive technology and transition to adulthood of students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the assessment and use of augmentative/Alternative communication systems (AAC), functional communication training, technology aided instruction and intervention, and transition beyond school. Field experience is embedded in the course. (80 inservice credits)
Applied Behavioral Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in addressing challenging behaviors through reinforcement, social skills training, and self-monitoring in students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the evidenced-based interventions for decreasing challenging behavior, applied behavioral analysis, functional behavioral analysis, and data collection. Field experience is embedded in the course. (80 inservice credits)
The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) has worked with districts to secure adoption of the Gifted endorsement courses into their local Professional Learning Catalog (formerly known as the Master In-Service Plan). Credit for endorsement courses must be secured through either a district PLC or an institution of higher education. Offerings through FDLRS are free of charge and depending on the district, may be adopted into local PLCs. Please check with your local FDLRS for additional information and availability of these courses. You can locate your center by district on the FDLRS website.
The five courses listed below are designed for individuals who have access to students and want to earn their endorsement in Gifted.
Nature and Needs of Students Who Are Gifted
Nature and Needs of Students Who Are Gifted provides an overview of the evolution of gifted education on the national, state, and local level. Major events affecting gifted education are described as well as major policies and procedures governing the delivery of gifted education. Cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics common to individuals who are gifted are identified along with strategies that can be used to meet the academic needs of different categories of students who are gifted. (60 inservice credits)
Theory and Development of Creativity
Theory and Development of Creativity provides an overview of the theory, research, practical strategies, and resources on creativity, with an emphasis on classroom applications in the gifted classroom. It is intended that, upon completion of this course participants attain the following goals, to increase knowledge of the nature and definition of creativity, to reflect on and learn ways to enhance personal creativity and to provide ideas and strategies for teaching others (students) to develop and use their creativity. (60 inservice credits)
Guidance and Counseling for the Gifted
Guidance and Counseling for the Gifted provides an overview of the theory, research, practical strategies, and resources on guidance and counseling, with an emphasis on classroom applications in the gifted classroom. Participants will understand holistic developmental characteristics of gifted children, will be able to identify risk factors related to gifted students, and will be to support social skills, career exploration, and leadership development of gifted students. (60 inservice credits)
Special Populations of Gifted Students
Education of Special Populations of Gifted Students provides an overview of the challenges and issues that face diverse populations of gifted students as they struggle to gain acceptance, recognition, and access to appropriate gifted education to meet their individual needs. It incorporates central issues in multicultural education that examine questions of equity and excellence; prejudice and stereotyping of special populations; and lack of awareness, understanding, and recognition manifested in discriminatory practices on the national, state, and local levels. It examines policies and procedures to screen, identify, and provide appropriate modifications to curriculum for these diverse gifted students. The module provides an overview of types of diverse perspectives and their impact on the development of gifted abilities, such as ethnic heritage and culture, minority status, language, diverse physical and mental abilities, gender and age, socioeconomic status and poverty, and diverse family structures. (60 inservice credits)
Curriculum Development for the Gifted
Curriculum Development for the Gifted provides an analysis of curriculum modifications for gifted learners based on the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Standards for Graduate Programs in Gifted Education. Participants will be able to demonstrate adaptations in the content, process, product, affect, and learning environment of the classroom and curricula as they relate to gifted learners. Ultimately, course participants will design units of instruction that are powerful, aligned, engaging, authentic, and challenging. (60 inservice credits)
The Bureau of Exceptional Education has developed a set of modules that district staff may use to create a facilitated district add-on endorsement program in Prekindergarten Disabilities for teachers to use in lieu of taking college courses. Teachers should contact their PreK coordinator to check the availability of this option in their school district. ONLY district staff development coordinators will be provided access to download the modules.