Phone: (845) 257-2850
Location: Old Main Building, Room 323
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/schoolofed/special-education/

The Special Education program is grounded in the belief that all individuals possess intellectual, social, emotional and physical strengths that enable them to function in and contribute to their families and society as a whole. Our graduate programs in special education prepare compassionate teachers to recognize these strengths in each and every student and to help all students develop to their greatest ability. We value the philosophy of inclusive education and emphasize a strength-based approach toward working with students with disabilities. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for more information about master's degree programs in special education.

At the undergraduate level, Special Education courses are available to teacher-education students as well as students with more general interest in the discipline. See Course Descriptions for a complete list.

SPE106. Multiple Voices: Diversity in US Education. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the sociocultural factors that impact teaching and learning in the United States. Through critical reflection, readings, and discussions, the educational experiences of individuals from historically marginalized populations will be explored.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • Ethical Reflection
  • Liberal Arts
May not be repeated for credit

SPE142. Introduction to Disability Studies. 3 Credits.

Disability Studies will be introduced through social, cultural, political and educational contexts. Disability will be explored as an identity that intersects with race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation as they pertain to social justice.

Attributes:

  • Diversity
  • GE3: DIVR
  • GE5: DEISJ
  • Ethical Reflection
  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
May not be repeated for credit

SPE350. Creating Inclusive Elementary School Classrooms. 3 Credits.

This course examines the foundations and fundamentals of inclusive educational programs and the challenges of their implementation in elementary schools. It also provides strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that support learning for all students.

Attributes:

  • Diversity

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Communication Disorders (588)
    • Early Childhood & Chld Ed B-6 (601)
    • Early Childhood Studies (602)
    • Visual Arts Education (189)
May not be repeated for credit

SPE385. Differentiating Instruction in the Secondary School. 3 Credits.

This course will assist teachers in designating classroom, instructional, and school environments to accommodate the full range of learners in the general secondary education setting. Strategies for teaching students who are gifted, disabled, and English language learners will be included.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Adolescence Ed: Biology (440)
    • Adolescence Ed: Chemistry (441)
    • Adolescence Ed: Earth Science (442)
    • Adolescence Ed: English (443)
    • Adolescence Ed: French (444)
    • Adolescence Ed: Math (446)
    • Adolescence Ed: Physics (449)
    • Adolescence Ed: Social Studies (445)
    • Adolescence Ed: Spanish (447)
    • Adolescence Education (ADL)
    • Biology AP (508A)
    • Chemistry AP (50CH)
    • Communication Disorders (588)
    • Geology AP (51ES)
    • Mathematics AP (512M)
    • Visual Arts Education (189)
May not be repeated for credit

SPE493. Special Education Selected Topic. 3-12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

SPE494. Fieldwork In Special Education. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May not be repeated for credit

SPE495. Independent Study Special Education. 0 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
May be repeated for credit

Faculty

Baldonado, Lauren
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Columbia University
Office: OM 103D
Phone: (845) 257-2810
E-mail: baldonal@newpaltz.edu

Chorzempa, Barbara
Associate Professor and Chair
Ph.D., University of Maryland
Office: OM 103C
Phone: (845) 257-2851
E-mail: chorzemb@newpaltz.edu

Coughlin, April
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Syracuse University
Office: OM 104
Phone: (845) 257-2918
E-mail: coughlia@newpaltz.edu

Mellon, Leana (Ellie)
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Columbia University
Office: OM 107
Phone: (845) 257-2867
E-mail: mellonl@newpaltz.edu

Rosenberg, Michael
Professor
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
Office: OM 227C
Phone: (845) 257-2802
E-mail: rosenbem@newpaltz.edu

Sileo, Jane
Associate Professor
Ed.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Office: OM 106
Phone: (845) 257-2835
E-mail: sileoj@newpaltz.edu