The Special Education Program at Canisius College offers a unique graduate program in the area of Mild Disabilities. Research has identified and continues to develop highly effective instructional and management techniques specific to these students. The specialized course of study is designed to provide an in depth understanding of mild disabilities and the instruction, curriculum, intervention, collaboration and management techniques shown to be effective through empirical studies.
Graduate students will also participate in practicum experiences and ongoing research. Each course contains practicum and research elements that promote greater understanding of the learning process and the implications for students with mild disabilities to meet NYS Learning Standards. Students can participate in ongoing research studies being conducted by special education faculty or select another area of interest related to Mild Disabilities. The Special Education Program places a strong emphasis on content, research and applied practice.
Core Courses for Initial Certification in Special Education
SPE 560 Psychological and Educational Aspects of Disability
SPE 565 Research Methods
SPE 570 Standards Based Assessment
SPE 580 Classroom Management
SPE 585 Differentiated Instruction Across the Standards
SPE 644 Collaborative Practices on a Transdisciplinary Team
Concentration: Mild Disabilities Grades 1-6
SPE 620 Mild Disabilities: Etiology and Research Based Interventions
SPE 621 Reading Process for Students with Mild Disabilities**
SPE 622 Adapting the MST Curriculum in the Childhood Classroom**
SPE 623 Remedial Writing in the Childhood Classroom**
SPE 634 Adapting the Social Studies Curriculum in the Childhood Classroom**
SPE 639 Therapeutic Approaches for Disruptive Behavior
** Each course so designated includes 20 hours of field experience
Professional Seminar and Practicum
SPE 698 Professional Seminar and Practica
SPE 698 is a 3 credit hour course that requires 50 hours of field experience for non-certified candidates; 20 hours of field experience for candidates already certified in childhood education. Candidates certified in childhood special education will substitute one teaching methods course.
SPE 699 Student Teaching
SPE 699 is 12 credit hours and two placements for candidates without previous certification; or 6 credit hours and one placement for candidates with previous certification in childhood education. Candidates certified in childhood special education are exempt.
Childhood Level Certification:
Students entering the program without prior certification will take the following three additional courses.
EDR 502 Foundations of Literacy Instruction
EDU 540 Childhood Learning & Development
EDU 543 or EDU 545 or EDU 546
Required Certification Exams for Initial Certification (NYSTCE): Students with Disabilities ( Grades 1-6)
LAST: Liberal Arts and Science Test
ATS-W: Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (Elementary)
CST: Content Speciality Test (Students with Disabilities)
Candidates without any prior certification must also take the CST-Content Speciality Test (Multi-Subject). This is in addition to the CST test: Students with Disabilities
Other certification requirements:
1. Fingerprinting
2. Child Abuse Seminar
3. Prevention of School Violence Seminar
(Items 2 and 3 are a part of SPE 699 and occur at the beginning of student teaching)