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 course takes a sociological approach to disability and the historical foundations of special education. Three models of disability are introduced: medical, social, and political. These three models provide a foundation for the course, and guide study of three major aspects of disability and special education. First, the class will explore how each of these models has historically guided and, in some cases, continues to guide services and social institutions for persons with disabilities, including educational and rehabilitation services. Second, the course will examine the process through which people with disabilities are so labeled and the interaction between these individuals and others (family, peers, school, community). Third, the course will analyze the changing role of the human service professional (including teachers) and the ways in which professional preparation programs reflect the various models of disability. The course will draw heavily on a variety of philosophical, theoretical, conceptual and methodological perspectives, including phenomenology, symbolic interaction, and human ecology.

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 is designed to improve the sign language proficiencies of classroom teachers. It provides students strategies and skill building to teach content areas in and through sign language. Students will enhance their sign language skills for the purpose of conveying concepts to Deaf students clearly and accurately. Topics include signed instructional strategies, curriculum development in sign language, assessment modifications, student products in sign language, and vocabulary/ phrases for effective communication and instructional delivery.