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 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.

Global Education Seminar provides graduate students with the opportunity to conduct research on the unique historical, geographical, economic, social, and/or political circumstances of a country other than the United States, and consider those factors that shaped the relationship between the country being studied and its Deaf community. The students will research perspectives on and issues related to people who are deaf in the field of their interest (e.g., medicine, accessibility, technology, STEM, sign language, education, history, business, arts, among others). The students will exit the course with basic practitioner knowledge, especially in the area of research. The students will learn and use some basic language skills in the written and signed languages of the selected country as well as to interact with members of the Deaf community in the country. The country to be studied and the specific course topics for that country will vary by instructor. Specific knowledge and skills required for this experience and/or research project abroad will also be taught. This course is required for graduate students who travel in the NTID faculty-led experience and/or research project abroad. Students who do not participate in the study abroad experience may be allowed to enroll with the permission of the instructor.

The International Studies Seminar provides students with the opportunity to learn about the unique historical, geographical, economic, social, and political circumstances of a country other than the United States, and consider those factors that shaped the relationship between the country being studied and its Deaf community. The course will foster a connection between students and the country by introducing students to the spoken and signed languages of the selected country as well as to members of the Deaf community in the country via videoconferencing or other assistive technologies. The country to be studied and the specific course topics for that country will vary by instructor. This course will also serve as preparation for participation in an NTID faculty-led experience and/or project in the country that is the focus of the Seminar. Specific knowledge and skills required for this experience and/or project abroad will also be taught. Registration in this course is required for students who travel in the NTID faculty-led experience and/or project abroad. Students who do not participate in the study abroad experience may be allowed to enroll with the permission of the instructor.