Master of Science in Education
https://www.newpaltz.edu/special-ed/
Contact: (845) 257-2930
Email: specialeducation@newpaltz.edu
Program Coordinator: Barbara Chorzempa
Special Education
The Department of Teaching & Learning at SUNY New Paltz offers three master’s degrees in Special Education. Teacher candidates may pursue a program of study in Special Education:
- Early Childhood / Childhood (Birth-Grade 6),
- Childhood (Grades 1-6), and
- Adolescence (Grades 7-12).
Professional certification for each of these programs requires three years of successful teaching experience at the appropriate grade level(s).
SPE510. Educating Students with Autism. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of the educational strengths and challenges of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Topics include: historical overview, major theories and trends, effective practices, and collaboration strategies.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE511. Working and Collaborating with Families and Service Providers. 3 Credits.
Covers topics related to working with families of individuals with disabilities and teacher’s best practices for providing supervision to staff working with individuals with disabilities. Issues of cultural and ethnic diversity will be discussed.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE512. Concepts and Principles of Behavior. 3 Credits.
Teaches concepts and principles that are the foundations of the science of behavior and learning. Topics include: defining and measuring behavior, behavior contingencies, behavior change, and the generalization and maintenance of new behavior.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE513. Single Subject Research Methodology. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of single subject research methodology. Topics include behavior measurement, research design, data display, data interpretation, and threats to validity.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE514. Philosophical Underpinnings of the Science of Behavior. 3 Credits.
Teaches the goals, assumptions, and dimensions of ABA. The content will cover different philosophies of behavioral science in a historical context, including: empiricism, pragmatism, respondent behavior, operant behavior, methodological behaviorism, and radical behaviorism.
Attributes:
- Liberal Arts
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
Prerequisites:
- SPE512 Minimum Grade of B-
SPE515. Ethics and Professional Conduct in Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
An overview of ethical considerations in the field of behavior analysis. Topics include: history of ethics, qualifications and responsibilities of being a behavior analyst, selecting, implementing and evaluating of behavior change procedures.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE516. Methods of Instruction in Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of scientific pedagogy across academic, behavioral, and self-management programs. Content includes program selection, procedures for behavior-change, and methods environmental modification. The topics of maintenance and generalization of learning are discussed.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE517. Methods of Assessment in Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
Covers functional behavioral assessment, functional analyses, preference assessment, descriptive assessment, and other forms of behavior analytic assessment. Teaches methods of direct measurement, and best practices for behavior prevention.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE518. Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credits.
Provides candidates with the opportunity for practical experience with assessing behaviors, creating behavior modification programs, and making decisions on current cases with individuals with autism under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
Corequisites:
SPE519. Implementation of Assessment and Measurement Tools. 3 Credits.
Covers topics related to the understanding of assessment and measurement tools. Tools will be implemented in practical work settings and instruction will focus on using these techniques to guide professional practice.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
Corequisites:
SPE520. Maintenance of Client Records. 2 Credits.
Provides comprehensive review of ethical and legal management of client records. Topics covered consist of: maintenance and implications of records, as well as federal and New York state laws and regulations related to records.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Bx Anlys & Itd Autism Stud (075)
SPE559. Instructional and Behavioral Environments. 3 Credits.
Evidence-based methods for planning and implementing safe, positive, supportive learning environments for students with disabilities are discussed. Interventions and supportive management strategies for managing inappropriate classroom behaviors and strategies for social skill development, are emphasized.
Restrictions:
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE563. Multiple Intelligences in Inclusive Classrooms. 3 Credits.
Participants will develop understanding and skills in the use of multiple intelligences for planning and collaborating in instructional design, supporting students' full participation, and working with colleagues and community.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE565. Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms. 3 Credits.
Examines a variety of issues and strategies related to educating learners with disabilities in general education classrooms. It also is designed to provide students with an understanding of the nature and needs of exceptional children and youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE566. Introduction to Special Education. 3 Credits.
Examines issues related to the education of students with disabilities, including the philosophical, historical, social, and legal foundations of special education; characteristics of students with disabilities; employments and independence for individuals with disabilities; and professional and ethical practices.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE567. Educational Assessment of Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods and critical issues in the educational assessment process for stud\ents with disabilities are explored, including the use of (in)formal behavior and instructional assessment strategies to identify and assess students with disabilities.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE571. Teaching Communication Skills to Learners with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods, materials, and procedures for increasing the communication skills of students with disabilities.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE572. Tchg. Learners of Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. 3 Credits.
This course examines the academic and social challenges education poses faced by students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Methods for implementing culturally relevant instruction and programs for all students will be discussed.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE573. Collaboration Strategies. 3 Credits.
Examines current issues and best practices to support successful collaboration of educators with families, related service providers, paraeducators, and other professionals to maximize student success.
Restrictions:
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE575. Technology in Special Education. 3 Credits.
This course is designed for educators who are interested in learning how to use educational technology with individuals with disabilities. Technology content dealing with ways technology can be employed to teach exceptional students will be discussed as well as other practical applications of educational technology.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE581. Fieldwork I: Birth-Pre-K. 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in an early intervention or preschool special education setting. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with children and service providers. This course requires a minimum of 25 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Corequisites:
SPE582. Fieldwork II: Kindergarten. 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in a kindergarten special education setting. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with students, faculty and staff. This course requires a minimum of 25 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Corequisites:
SPE583. Fieldwork III: Primary (Grades 1-3). 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in primary (grades 1-3) special education settings. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with students, faculty and staff. This course requires a minimum of 50 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
SPE584. Fieldwork IV: Intermediate (Grades 4-6). 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in intermediate (grades 4-6) special education settings. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with students, faculty and staff. This course requires a minimum of 50 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
SPE585. Fieldwork V: Middle School 7-8. 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in middle school (grades 7 - 8) special education settings. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with students, faculty and staff. This course requires a minimum of 50 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE586. Fieldwork VI: High School 9-12. 0 Credits.
Students will immerse themselves in high school (grades 9 - 12) special education settings. This includes interviewing, observing, and interacting with students, faculty and staff. This course requires a minimum of 50 hours in the field.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE593. Special Ed Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE594. Fieldwork in Autism Studies. 0 Credits.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE595. Indep Study Special Ed. 1-12 Credits.
Attributes:
- Liberal Arts
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE702. Teaching Math, Science and Technology in Inclusive Classrooms. 3 Credits.
This course examines methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional strategies for students with disabilities, particularly in the areas of math, science, and technology. It emphasizes differentiating instruction based upon learner characteristics, learning environment, curriculum and standards.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
Prerequisites:
- SPE 700 Minimum Grade of B-
SPE706. Working with Learners with Emotional/Behavioral Problems. 3 Credits.
Students with emotional/behavioral problems will be studied through analysis of case studies.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE711. Educating Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of the educational strengths and challenges of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Topics include: historical overview, major theories and trends, effective practices, and collaboration strategies.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE712. Learning Environments for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 3 Credits.
This course will focus on planning and implementing safe, positive, supportive and universally designed learning environments. Teaching pro-social skills, and employing evidence-based best practices for including students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in general education settings will be included.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE713. Classroom Management in Special Education. 3 Credits.
Focuses on planning and implementing safe, positive and supportive learning environments. Teaching prosocial skills, and employing best practices for including childhood learners with disabilities in general education settings will be included.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE715. Issues and Research in Sp Ed. 3 Credits.
Designed to introduce students to foundational and contemporary issues related to the ever-evolving discipline of Special Education. Students will explore theoretical frameworks, research and policy perspectives that influence pedagogical practice.
Restrictions:
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE722. Practicum in Special Education. 6 Credits.
Provides candidates with student-teaching experiences with students with disabilities in the grade range aligned with their certification title (e.g., B-2, 1-6, 7-12) in school setting under the direction of a cooperation teacher and a university supervisor.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
SPE723. Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities. 3 Credits.
A study of students with learning disabilities including an emphasis on diagnosis and prescription. Different theories of learning disability are examined.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE728. Seminar in Special Education. 3 Credits.
Explores selected problems in the education of learners with disabilities.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE731. Literacy and Social Studies Inst. for Childhood Learners w/Disabilities. 5 Credits.
This course will examine methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional strategies for students with disabilities on the childhood level, particularly in the areas of literacy and social studies. Emphasis will be placed on methods for differentiating instruction based upon learner characteristics, learning environment, curriculum and technology considerations, and state, and national standards.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Child Special Ed and Lit Ed (059C)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Prerequisites:
- SPE 700 Minimum Grade of B-*
- SPE 701 Minimum Grade of B-*
* May be taken at the same time
SPE732. Learning Environments for Childhood Learners with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
This course will focus on planning and implementing safe, positive and supportive learning environments. Teaching prosocial skills, and employing best practices for including childhood learners with disabilities in general education settings will be included.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Child Special Ed and Lit Ed (059C)
- Literacy Ed and Child Spec Ed (029A)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Prerequisites:
- SPE 700 Minimum Grade of B-*
* May be taken at the same time
SPE733. Practicum in Childhood Special Education. 4 Credits.
Teacher candidates are provided with the opportunity to teach childhood students with disabilities in a school setting under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor .
Attributes:
- Practicum - Non-Clinical
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
SPE735. Foundations of Literacy for Childhood Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating literacy instruction for early childhood and childhood students with disabilities are covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on language development and the foundations of reading (e.g., phonological awareness, phonics, fluency).
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
SPE736. Literacy Instruction for Childhood Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating literacy instruction for childhood students with disabilities are covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for understanding text and written expression.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
SPE737. Instructional Practices in the Content Areas for Childhood Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Teacher candidates will examine methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional practices for childhood students with disabilities, including teacher- and student-directed strategies, across the content areas.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
SPE742. Learning Environments for Adolescent Learners with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
This course will focus on planning and implementing safe, positive and supportive learning environments. Teaching prosocial skills, and employing best practices for adolescent learners with disabilities in general education settings will be included.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Adol Special Ed and Lit Ed (059A)
- Adol Special Ed and Lit Ed (059G)
- Literacy Ed and Adol Spec Ed (029B)
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
Prerequisites:
- SPE 700 Minimum Grade of B-*
* May be taken at the same time
SPE743. Practicum in Adolescent Special Education. 4 Credits.
Teacher candidates are provided with the opportunity to teach adolescent student with disabilities in a school setting under the direction of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor.
Attributes:
- Practicum - Non-Clinical
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Adol Special Ed and Lit Ed (059A)
- Adol Special Ed and Lit Ed (059G)
- Literacy Ed and Adol Spec Ed (029B)
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
SPE745. Foundations of Literacy for Adolescent Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods for planning, implementing, and evaluation literacy instruction for adolescent students with disabilities are covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on the foundations of reading (e.g., word study, fluency).
Restrictions:
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
Prerequisites:
- SPE566 Minimum Grade of B-* or SPE 700 Minimum Grade of B-
- SPE567 Minimum Grade of B-* or SPE 701 Minimum Grade of B-
* May be taken at the same time
SPE746. Literacy Instruction for Adolescent Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating literacy instruction for adolescent students with disabilities are covered in this course. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding and construction of written text (e.g., vocabulary, comprehension, written expression).
SPE747. Instructional Practices in the Content Areas for Adolescent Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
Teacher candidates will examine methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional practices for adolescent students with disabilities, including teacher- and student-directed, across the content areas.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration): Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
Prerequisites:
* May be taken at the same time
SPE753. Practicum in Early Childhood Special Education. 4 Credits.
Teacher candidates are provided with the opportunity to teach young children with disabilities in an early childhood setting under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor.
Attributes:
- Practicum - Non-Clinical
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following class: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
SPE761. Working with Families of Students with Disabilities. 3 Credits.
An investigation of various problems confronting parents, siblings, and other members of the family of persons with disabilities. Such issues as schooling, personal-social adjustment, vocational adjustment, and independent living arrangements are addressed.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE763. Practicum Seminar in Special Education. 1 Credit.
Provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to engage in a professional learning community and reflect on their teaching of students with disabilities in a school setting.
Restrictions:
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
- Special Ed:Adolescence Ed. (060G)
SPE793. Special Ed Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
SPE794. Field Experience Spec Ed. 1-12 Credits.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
SPE795. Indep Study Special Ed. 1-12 Credits.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: Adolescence Ed (060A)
- Special Ed: Childhood Ed (060C)
SPE797. Early Intervention in Special Education. 3 Credits.
Addresses specialized content and procedural strategies related to family‐centered early intervention for infants and toddlers who are at‐risk or have developmental delays or disabilities. Students examine policy issues, curriculum, service coordination strategies, and assessment and intervention techniques.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)
Corequisites:
SPE798. Early Childhood Special Education. 3 Credits.
Examines current issues, research, and best practices to support successful programming for preschool and kindergarten children with disabilities and their families.
Restrictions:
- Must have the following level: Graduate
- Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
- Special Ed: EC & Childhood Ed (060B)
- Special Ed: Early Childhood Ed (060E)