A historical analysis of change and continuity in educational history from colonial through contemporary America. Special emphasis will be given to the development of the field of Deaf education in the United States. Lectures, seminar discussions, and readings offer comprehensive coverage of the salient intellectual themes.

The purpose of this course is to examine the psychological and social development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in childhood and adolescence. The ways that family, school, and community affect the student's development, including effects on cognitive processes, identity formation, and peer relationships, are considered. Psychological and sociological perspectives on students' experience in general are used to provide a framework for understanding the development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Educational implications of the theories and research presented are discussed.

This introductory course provides an overview of the current theories of assessment, curriculum, instruction, and learning across diverse educational settings in the field of deaf education. The course covers the use of educational technologies to enhance the learning experiences of deaf students and options for classroom management, learning environment appropriate to K-12 classrooms, and methods for assessment. Reflection and application of effective instructional practices are demonstrated through microteaching and field-based experiences. To progress to MSSE-714 Practicum, student must obtain a grade of at least B in this course.

As required by the New York State Education Department, each MSSE student is required to complete 100 hours of practicum experience during their first year in the program. This practicum experience provides students with opportunities to observe and reflect on their content, professional, pedagogical knowledge, skills and disposition in classroom settings at both schools for the deaf and mainstreamed programs. There will also be course-related observations. Students will also be required to attend selected Deaf culture events. After completion of all of the required observations, the students are required to submit a practicum experience portfolio. Guidelines will be provided to the student. The practicum experience must be completed with a grade of least a B before the first student teaching assignment.

This course addresses assessment as educational decision-making, involving the selection and interpretation of assessment tools as applied to classroom-based student learning. The course focuses on students who are deaf and hard of hearing; including students with diverse learning needs. Assessment and educational planning for students are discussed as part of a cooperative model, including the relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process. This course also addresses the development and interpretation of both formative and summative assessment strategies in light of acceptable criteria of validity and reliability, and the absence of assessment bias. Criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of standardized tests, with emphasis on deaf and hard-of-hearing students, are discussed and practiced. Collection and interpretation of assessment information are applied to the development and revision of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

This course introduces students to current theories of language acquisition and learning in educational settings. The stages of acquisition and learning, and variables that influence these processes will be included. Bilingual and second language acquisition and learning will also be addressed. Implications for instruction with Deaf students will be discussed.

This first assignment consists of 8 weeks (40 days or 250 hours) of teaching and observation. Teacher candidates are placed with cooperating teachers in residential schools for the Deaf or mainstreamed programs. They develop lesson and unit plans and teach in the content area in which they plan to receive New York State certification. To progress to MSSE-761, students must pass this student teaching assignment with a minimum grade of B and submit a student teaching portfolio.

This second assignment consists of 8 weeks (40 days or 250 hours) of teaching and observation. Student teachers are placed with cooperating teachers in residential schools for the Deaf or mainstreamed program. They develop lesson and unit plans and teach in the content area in which they plan to receive New York State certification. Students must pass this student teaching assignment with a minimum grade of B and submit a student teaching portfolio.

Independent study courses will be developed based on student interest and demand as well as faculty interest and availability. These courses are usually taken on an elective basis.

This course is designed to assist academically suspended students in the development of their academic and personal skills in order to be successful in college. Students will undertake small group and individualized learning paths to practice academic and college readiness skills, including improving motivation, managing time, setting goals, and caring for oneself. We will address continued development of reading comprehension and written communication skills will also be addressed. Successful application of study and test-taking techniques, understanding how to set priorities, coping with college stress and anxiety, and developing a mindset for academic success constitute overarching themes of this course.