University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University

Elissa R. Rubinowitz, Miami-Dade County
Dr. Michael M, Krop Sr. High School
CARD Staff: Jennifer Stella Durocher

Elissa Rubinowitz is a teacher for students on the autism spectrum spectrum and co-department chair for special education at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High school in Miami-Dade County. She has been in the field of education for the past 17 years. During that time she has taught students with a wide range of disabilities as well as dealt with administration and compliance issues.

Proposed Project:

This project is to increase inclusion opportunities for the students in autism-specific classes. The concept is to cycle students through a wheel of electives with the assistance of a peer buddy who will participate in the activity alongside each student with ASD. This idea is two-fold as it will (1) enable the students to experience a variety of elective classes to help identify strengths and interests that can be utilized for later vocational development and (2) encourage socially appropriate relationships between typical peers and students with ASD, benefiting both groups.