Special Education Courses

Spe 560 Introduction to Human Exceptionality (3)

Characteristics of individuals across the lifespan (from birth to adult) whose cognitive, physical, or emotional development differs from typical individuals. Special education history and laws are discussed, as is the process leading to the development of individualized education plans and special education services. Selected strategies for students with special needs are also presented. (Not open to those students who previously completed E Psy 460)

Spe 561 Integrating Students with Disabilities in General Education Classrooms (3)

This course is designed to provide elementary and secondary general education teachers with a range of research-based approaches for integrating students with disabilities. These approaches include effective planning for individual differences, grouping strategies, co-teaching, cooperative learning and peer tutoring. Strategies for specific disabilities and specific disciplines will also be discussed.

Spe 562 Characteristics of & Methods for Teaching Exceptional Secondary Students in Inclusive Settings (3)

Characteristics of students with disabilities and gifted students. Examines legislative mandates and the process of developing and implementing differentiated and special education services for students at the middle childhood or adolescence levels. Use of research-based approaches and methods, including co-teaching and collaboration for integrating students with disabilities is emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to BCT Program.

Spe 564 Participation in and Study of English Language Arts and Social Studies Program (3)

Introduces prospective teachers to the English Language Arts and Social Studies Standards at the childhood level through discussion, analysis, and observation of school programs. Includes field experiences instructing students. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master's Degree Program in Special Education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 565 Participation in and Study of Math, Science and Technology Programs (3)

Introduces prospective teachers to the Math, Science and Technology Programs Standards at the childhood level through discussion, analysis, and observation of school programs. Includes field experiences instructing students. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master's Degree Program in Special Education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 571 (Tap 571) Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities (3)

Course is for classroom teachers who are interested in learning about assistive technology and how technology can provide access to curriculum, facilitate communication, and help students overcome physical and sensory barriers. The course will discuss assistive technology legislation and its implications for school districts, strategies for integrating assistive technology into the classroom and into an individual student's IEP, and demonstrate how technology can facilitate the education of students with disabilities in both self-contained and inclusive settings.

Spe 580 Practicum: Teaching Students with Diverse Learning Needs (3)

Supervised practicum observing, assessing, and teaching students with diverse learning needs.  Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 650 Instructional Environments and Practices for Students with Disabilities (3)

This course examines techniques for effective instruction for all students, with particular attention to students with disabilities. Course will explore research-based and promising instructional techniques and practices applicable to instruction of Common Core and NYS Learning Standards, as well as approaches to collaboration. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 651 Developing Reading Comprehension and Content Knowledge for Students with Disabilities (3)

Presentation of theory, assessment techniques, planning and teaching procedures to prepare students with disabilities to meet the Common Core and NYS Learning Standards in literacy. Emphasis on use of evidence-based practices for developing reading comprehension and content knowledge.  Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree program in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 652 Math and Inquiry Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3)

Presentation of theoretical positions, assessment techniques, planning procedures, and teaching methods relevant to preparing students with disabilities to meet the Common Core and New York State Math, Science, and Technology Learning Standards. Emphasis on use of evidence-based practices. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 653 Managing School and Classroom-wide Student Behavior to Promote Efficient and Effective Instruction (3)

Presentation of theory, assessment techniques, and planning and teaching procedures for managing school and classroom-wide student behavior.  Emphasis on use of evidence-based practices, especially Positive Behavioral  Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 654 Teaching Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities (3)

Presentation of theory, assessment techniques, planning procedures, and evidence based practices for preparing students of all ages with severe and multiple disabilities to meet the Common Core and NYS Learning Standards.   Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 655 Assessment of Students with Disabilities (3) 

This course provides a foundation for understanding the assessment process for students with special needs, and how to use assessment information for planning instruction and guiding instructional decisions. Course will emphasize evidenced based and best practices in the area of assessment. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 656 Teaching Written Expression to Students with Disabilities (3)

This course examines theoretical positions, assessment techniques, and planning and teaching procedures relevant to preparing students with disabilities to meet the Common Core and NYS Learning Standards in written expression across the content areas. Emphasis is placed on research-based and promising instructional techniques and practices for students who have not learned through traditional writing approaches. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 657 Effective Teaching and Curricula for Diverse Learners (3)

This course develops reflective practitioners and principled educators and is designed to provide a background in, as well as practical opportunities with, general methods and materials appropriate for working with students with diverse learning needs in inclusive elementary settings. Emphasis will be placed on approaches to learning and teaching, and specific teaching and learning strategies. Participants explore the selection, adaptation, and development of instructional materials across curriculum areas, student needs and school environments. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 669 Educating Students with Emotional Disorders and Challenging Behaviors: Advanced Tiers of Support (3)

This course focuses on evidence-based practices in working with students with Emotional-behavioral disorders. Theory, assessment techniques, and planning and teaching procedures for Tier II and III interventions for managing challenging behaviors are presented.  Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education or Permission of Instructor.

Spe 673 Interagency Collaboration for Working with Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3)

Presentation of theoretical positions, assessment techniques, planning procedures, and strategies appropriate for developing interagency collaboration to effectively serve students with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Spe 680A Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Disabilities (3-6)

Full-time supervised clinical field experience with students with disabilities.  Accompanying seminar integrates special topics and relates to field experiences.  Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education and satisfactory completion of Spe 580.

Spe 680B Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Disabilities (3-6)

Full-time supervised clinical field experience with students with disabilities.  Accompanying seminar integrates special topics and relates to field experiences.  Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education and satisfactory completion of Spe 680A.

Spe 681 Clinical Internship Seminar: Teaching Students with Disabilities (1-2)

This seminar focuses upon reflective practice in internship experiences by considering the specialized skills and knowledge needed by beginning teachers in critical areas such as: management and discipline, assessment and evaluation, planning and organization, consultation and collaboration, and parental involvement. Professional portfolio is required as culminating activity.  Prerequisites: Admission to the Master's Degree Program in Special Education.  Must be taken concurrently with Spe 680A or Spe 680B.

Spe 682 Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (3)

Full-time supervised internship with students with emotional and behavior disorders. Accompanying seminar integrates special topics and relates to field experiences. Prerequisites: Admission to one of the Master's degree programs in special education and satisfactory completion of Spe 580.

Spe 887 Institute in Education (1-9)

A special course, not part of the pattern of regular offerings, designed to meet non-recurring needs.