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.

This course focuses on providing students with basic information regarding the needs of deaf and hard of hearing learners with special educational needs, including (1) developmental disability, (2) emotional or behavioral disorder (3) learning disability, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or (4) visual impairment. Topics include incidence, identification, assessment, teaching strategies, and working with parents. The goal is to enable students to see students in a holistic fashion, and thus will include the perspectives of parents, teachers and deaf and hard of hearing learners with special educational needs. Learning strategies may include site visits, presentations, films, and interactive workshop style classes offered by experienced teachers, psychologists, counselors, disability advocates, and parents of learners with special educational needs. The course will regularly incorporate guest lecturers who have specialized expertise in teaching or research in one or more of the topic areas covered in the course.

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.

Note: There are five discipline-specific courses here, designated by section: 01 (English), 02 (Mathematics), 03 (Science), 04 (Social Studies) and 05 (American Sign Language). Students will take only the section focusing on the content area in which they will be certified. Section 01 English. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching English in the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to curriculum, instruction and materials in the area of English instruction through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate a variety of methodological philosophies. Section 02 Mathematics. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching mathematics at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in mathematics are studied through seminars, readings, special projects, observations and work with content-area specialists and teachers in secondary-level mathematics courses. Section 03 Science. This course examines issues and methods in teaching secondary-level science to Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students, including the selection, modifications, and use of curriculum materials in science. Discussions will be concerned with instructional strategies, classroom managements, cognitive development, testing and evaluation, lab report writing and theories of science teaching. Students will be required to observe teachers in secondary level science courses. Section 04 Social Studies. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching social studies at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Through seminars, readings, special projects, and work with content area specialists/teachers, current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in social studies are examined. Students will be required to observe teachers of secondary level social studies courses at public schools, residential schools for Deaf students or in mainstream programs. Section 05 American Sign Language. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching American Sign Language at the secondary level. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to ASL curriculum, instruction, and materials through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate their understanding of teaching theories and methods, curriculum design, and evaluation techniques. To progress to MSSE-760, students must obtain a minimum grade of B in this course.

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.