Special Education Course Descriptions
ESP 600 Foundations of Special Education
This course offers an examination of the historical, social, and legal foundations of special education. Emphasis will be placed upon issues, trends and legislation affecting the provision of services in school, home and employment, with a focus on inclusion of individuals with disabilities in school and community settings. An overview of the characteristics of individuals with disabilities will also be included.
ESP 601 Learning Disabilities: Theory & Practice
This course will familiarize prospective teachers with theory and current issues as they relate to definition, etiology, assessment, eligibility, diversity, service delivery, characteristics and individual needs of students with learning disabilities.
ESP 602 Strategies for Working with Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities
This course studies conceptual models for understanding emotional and behavioral disorders of childhood and middle childhood level students, and their implications for educators. Various models of intervention will be explored. Theoretical and practical applications of behavior analysis will be included with emphasis on preventing behavior problems of students with disabilities and supporting development of positive social interaction skills. This course will also focus on identifying, recording, evaluating and changing social and academic behaviors of special and diverse populations in elementary and middle schools through the process of functional behavior assessments and development of behavior support plans.
ESP 603 Identification, Assessment and Treatment Models for At-Risk Readers
Overview of current and past theories and practices in educational models and curriculum development, instructional planning, and assessment as they relate to knowledge about learning processes, motivation, communication and classroom management models. The course includes an examination of the appropriateness of various educational models for students with diverse needs and characteristics. Also included is an overview of formal and informal methods of assessment and their role in instructional decision-making.
ESP 604 Educating Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
This course details the matching of instruction to the characteristics of students with diverse learning needs; it includes an in-depth exploration of methodologies in reading and writing, mathematics, and study skills in the content areas.
ESP 605 Educating Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
This course examines the characteristics of learners with severe or multiple disabilities and related curriculum development and methods of instruction, including use of assistive technology and augmentative technology. It also examines the issues, problems, and trends affecting the development and implementation of community-based educational, recreational, work and living options and supports. Sample topics include least restrictive environment and inclusion, person-centered planning, family involvement, advocacy, and teacher roles and responsibilities.
ESP 606 Assistive Technology for Special Needs Learners
Designed to help special educators develop an awareness of technology that can assist in the lives and learning of students receiving special education. Technology for managing, assessing, and teaching across multiple computer operating systems will be covered as well as administrative applications of technology related to special education. Students will analyze the use of assistive technology devices that allow access to computers for those individuals with physical challenges. Multicultural issues relating to technology access will be addressed in readings, lecture, and practicum experiences.
ESP 607 Professional, Family & Community Collaboration in Schools and Schooling
This course will help develop a comprehensive set of strategies and methods for involving general and special education teachers, other professionals, parents and community in collaborative partnerships for the benefit of students with disabilities.
ESP 608 Assessments of Students with Disabilities at the Childhood and Middle Childhood Level
The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge and develop skills in assessment and related program planning for childhood and middle childhood students (grades 1-9) with special needs. The class will emphasize an individualized, family-centered, culturally competent approach to assessment. Students will undertake a study of assessment procedures used in the referral, identification, and instructional phases of program planning for students with special needs in childhood and middle childhood education. In addition, students will focus on the educational assessment methods and procedures used in decision making and program planning for students with disabilities and from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
ESP 610 Integrative Practicum Seminars: Childhood
This course engages students in a seminar process to share, analyze, and extend students’ professional experiences, including collaboration with other professionals and parents.
ESP 611 Integrative Practicum Seminars: Middle Childhood
This course engages students in a seminar process to share, analyze, and extend students’ professional experiences, including collaboration with other professionals and parents. Students will refine their teaching practices through group analysis to improve instruction and guide professional growth; use group problem solving skills to develop, implement, and evaluate collaborative activities; and practice models and strategies of consultation and collaboration.
ESP 677 Student Teaching in Special Education: Childhood
This course is designed to provide students with experience in Special Education roles in a field setting. Students enrolled in clinical experiences courses have the opportunity to work closely with practitioners such as Special Education teachers, coordinators, and supervisors. Through involvement in practical field experiences, students acquire a realistic perspective of special education and develop the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes needed for entry into Special Education positions. The clinical experiences address each student's career goals and professional development needs. Students will be placed in grades 1-6.
ESP 678 Students Teaching in Special Education: Middle Childhood
This course provides students with on-site experience. The student will be assigned two situations; one at childhood and one at middle childhood. Each placement will occur at an inclusive classroom, a self-contained classroom or a private special education facility. Students will complete a professional portfolio. Students will become aware of the New York State Learning Standards for Students with Severe Disabilities.
ECI 695 Seminar: Teacher as Researcher
This directed project requires student cohorts to become involved in the workings of an educational institution. In light of action research and using appropriate technology, student cohorts will identify an educational problem/concern in the field of special education, and will reflect and develop solutions to these concerns. The problem will be identified early in the graduate program and carried to completion in this culminating course, having students apply previously learned knowledge and methodology.
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