The concentration in Behavioral/Severe Disabilities provides specialized training to meet the Standards of Learning for Students with Severe Disabilities utilizing Alternative Performance Indicators. 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 special education teachers with in depth understanding of severe disabilities and the instruction, curriculum, assistive technology, intervention and management techniques shown to be effective through empirical studies.
Graduate students will also participate in practicum experiences and ongoing research activities. Course requirements include practicum and research components, including the application of research based techniques to mulitiple areas of adaptive functioning across the continuum of services. Students can participate in ongoing researchstudies being conducted by special education faculty or select another area of interest related to severe 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: Behavioral/Severe Disabilties Grades 1-6
Candidates may choose any 6 classes (18 semester hours) from the 10 offered below, however, classes must include a total of 80 field placement hours
SPE 630 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Etiology and Research Based Interventions
SPE 631 Reading and Writing Process for Students with Emotional Disabilities**
SPE 622 Adapting the Math, Science, and Technology Curriculum in the Childhood Classroom**
SPE 634 Adapting the Social Studies Curriculum in the Childhood Classroom**
SPE 639 Therapeutic Approaches for Disruptive Behavior
SPE 649 Transitional Issues for Adolescents with Disabilities
SPE 650 Autism Spectrum Disorders: Analysis of Causes and Research Based Interventions**
SPE 651 Communication and Social Development of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders**
SPE 652 Functional Curriculum and Assistive Technology for Students with Severe Developmental Disabilities and ASD**
SPE 653 Behavioral Management and Principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis**
** Each course so designated includes 20 hours of field experience
Professional Seminar and Practicum
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)