ACE Autism Endorsement

Four state universities, Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Northern Michigan University, and Oakland University have joined together to form the ACE (Autism Collaborative Endorsement). First offered in January 2002, ACE offers an Internet-based second endorsement program for teachers of students with autism.

Candidates in the program must choose one of the four collaborating universities to become their home university in order for a plan of study to be approved and later for practicum arrangements. Generally, a candidate’s home university will be the university that is geographically closest. The ACE program will offer most courses each semester to enable participants to fulfill the requirements of a special education endorsement in autism. Note: Not all courses are offered every semester however every course is offered at least twice a year.

The ACE program requires the completion of 18 credit hours of coursework through the approved plan of study. This includes five specified courses and a practicum. Candidates will complete an application and register for courses online through the ACE web site. Candidates will complete just one application and can register online for classes each semester. The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (MDE, OSES-EIS) will verify completion of the plan of study for the endorsement and will work with the Office of Professional Preparation in awarding the endorsement. Note: This endorsement in autism is awarded by the MDE, OSE-EIS and not the individual universities.

For more information, please visit the Autism Collaborative Endorsement website.