Education Programs at a Glance:
Adolescence Education

Childhood Education
Literacy
Special Education
Special Education - Autism

Dual Degrees in:
Childhood Education/Literacy
Childhood Education/Special Education
School Building Leader –M.S. Ed.
School Building Leader-Advanced Certificate
School District Leader- Advanced Certificate
School District Business Leader-Advanced Certificate
Academic Programs-Education
Adolescence Education, M.S. Ed. Grades 7-12 (33 credits)

Childhood Education, M.S. Certificate in Grades 1-6 (39 credits)

Childhood/Literacy B-6, M.S. Dual Certification Program (48 credits)
Childhood/Childhood Special Education , M.S. Dual Certification Program (48 credits)
Literacy, Birth -6, M.S. Ed. Certificate in Grades 1 - 6 (30 credits)
Special Education,
M.S. Ed.
Special Education with Concentration in Autism, (30 credits)
M.S. Ed.
Certificate in Grades 1 - 6 (30 credits)
Certificate Extension - Gifted and Talented 
School Building Leader – M.S. Ed.
School Building Leader-Advanced Certificate
School District Leader - Advanced Certificate
School District Business Leader - Advanced Certificate 
Academic Programs
EDUCATION

Message from the Program Directors
Programs Offered
Program Description
Admissions Policies
Degree Requirements
Course Descriptions
Faculty
CASE Survey Form

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Message From the Program Directors

You are entering teacher education during an exciting time of change and progress, and we welcome you to the Education programs at the Rockland Graduate Campus of Long Island University. We are a student-centered campus, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to students.  Our coursework is offered at flexible times, and we are available to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and support your efforts.

As of February 1, 2004, New York State has changed teacher certification requirements. All education programs at the Rockland Graduate Campus have been approved by the New York State Education Department and meet their requirements. Our programs have been designed to provide the highest quality in teacher education so that our students are prepared for the demands of the profession.

We offer a number of opportunities for our students.  Our Best Practice Seminar series, scheduled each semester, features specialists and experts on topics of interest to students and professionals in the field.  The series provides students with the latest high quality professional development in best practices.  These seminars are designed to put theory into practice in order to focus classroom instruction, employ effective strategies, and support student achievement and success.  Selected topics have included balanced literacy, differentiated instruction, shared inquiry using texts, guided writing, and Smart Board Technology.

Our Career and Counseling Center provides assistance to students in a number of areas, including resume writing.  Once students develop a resume, copies are put into a publication which is provided to local school districts.  Each year administrators from selected school districts provide a panel discussion for students which focuses on successfully obtaining a teaching position.  Information from the panelists has included:

  • what makes a resume attractive?
  • what questions might be asked in an interview?
  • what are districts looking for in their new teachers?
  • what do districts expect new teachers to know and be able to do?
  • what sample artifacts might be appropriate to bring to an interview?

The Campus also provides the following workshops required for obtaining certification: the 2-hour child abuse seminar, the 2-hour Project S.A.V.E. seminar, and the Health and Substance Abuse Seminar.

The Program Directors have regular office hours and are available in person during the day, at Open House and other events in the evening, and via email.  Questions regarding Admissions can be directed to the Office of Admissions.  A wide variety of scholarships are available to students, and information regarding both scholarships and financial aid can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

Come join us at the Rockland Graduate Campus. Expand your opportunities; Extend your possibilities.

Sincerely,

Elaine B. Geller, Program Director, Special Education and Literacy
Nancy T. Goldman, Ed.D., Program Director, Curriculum and Instruction

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PROGRAMS OFFERED
Adolescence Education - Grades 7-12 M.S. Ed.
Certificate in Grades 7-12 (33 credits)
Childhood Education M.S.
Certificate in Grades 1-6 (39-42 credits)
Childhood/Literacy B-6 M.S.
Dual Cerification Program (48 credits)
Childhood/Childhood Special Education M.S.
Dual Cerification Program (48 credits)
Literacy - Birth - Grade 6 M.S. Ed.
For students already certified in childhood or elementary education
Certificate in Birth - Grade 6 (30 credits)
Special Education M.S. Ed.
For students already certified in childhood or elementary education
Certificate in Grades 1 - 6 (30 credits)

Special Education with Concentration in Autism M.S.Ed.
For students already certified in education in grades 1 - 6 (30 credits)

School Building Leader M.S. Ed. and Advanced Certificate
NY State School Building Leader Certification
Certificate Extension - Gifted and Talented
For teachers to obtain their extension in gifted education



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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The teacher education programs at the Rockland Graduate Campus are committed to the importance of education in contributing to an improved quality of life. Through our varied programs of professional study, we prepare teachers and specialists who have commitment and competence to help young people achieve dignity, preserve individuality, develop democratic values, and find self-fulfillment.

The Rockland Graduate Campus is committed to providing professional experiences that are important aspects of programs of study of professional educators. These experiences bring the prospective teacher and specialist face-to-face with the realities of the classroom, the school and community, and also provide opportunities for participation in the study, research and analysis of contemporary problems in education.

Adolescence Education Grades 7-12 M.S. Ed.
The M.S. Ed. in Adolescence Education is a 33 credit Master’s Degree Program that leads to initial certification in New York State and New Jersey in grades 7-12.

The Adolescence Education Program prepares change-of-career professionals for the highly fulfilling career of teaching at the intermediate and high school levels. The program provides a thorough developmental and theoretical framework while exploring the various methods of teaching English, mathematics, social studies, or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, earth science and physics).

Childhood Education M.S. (Grade 1 — Grade 6)
The Childhood Education Program prepares students for the highly fulfilling career of teaching at the elementary school level. This program will provide a thorough developmental and theoretical framework while exploring various methods of teaching literacy, mathematics, science, and the social sciences. (39 credits)

Childhood/Childhood Special Education M.S.
Prepare for a future in education which not only broadens your scope of choices and expertise in childhood education, but enables you with the skills to deal with diverse populations of students. This program is designed for those graduate students wishing to enter the teaching profession who are interested in becoming dually certified in Childhood Education (1-6) as well as Special Education (1-6). (48 credits)

Childhood/Literacy B-6 M.S.
This dynamic program, which leads to dual New York State Certification in Childhood Education and Literacy offers those graduate students wishing to enter the teaching profession some unique options as well as providing them with highly desirable elementary credentials. Graduate students enrolled in this program will not only become skilled as childhood teachers but will also possess literacy expertise which will enable them to be reading consultants, as well. (48 credits)

Special Education M.S. Ed.
This program is specifically designed for those students who already hold certification in childhood or elementary education and are seeking to extend their scope of knowledge and expertise in the field of Special Education (grades 1-6). Preparing teachers with the knowledge, strategies and skills to work with growing populations of special needs and learning disabled students is the focus of this course of study which leads to professional New York State Teacher Certification. (30 credits)

Literacy - Birth - Grade 6 M.S. Ed.
Designed for students who already hold childhood or elementary certification, this M.S. program has two primary purposes; to prepare individuals to work in school and/or clinical settings as reading specialists, and to help teachers meet requirements for New York State professional certification as reading teachers B-6. Students enrolled in this program will gain expertise in conducting reading assessments and evaluations, designing programs to accommodate specific needs, and selecting and organizing materials for enrichment and remedial instruction. (30 credits)

Special Education with Concentration in Autism M.S.Ed.
The new "C.A.S.E." program, Concentration in Autism in Special Education, is a 30-credit Master’s degree program that leads to an M.S.Ed. in Special Education with a Concentration in Autism. This program leads to NYS Teacher Certification in Students with Disabilities. The C.A.S.E. program has been designed for those already holding a teaching certificate and will provide the requisite course work for educators to work in teams with psychologists, social workers and families to respond to the special needs of this student population.

This program is designed to prepare highly specialized educators to work with special education students, most particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. It also prepares educators to work in teams with psychologists, social workers, and families to respond to the special needs of this unique population. The C.A.S.E. Program is one of a few such programs in the nation and the only one of its kind in the Hudson Valley. Candidates admitted for study must possess initial teaching certification and will complete 30 semester hours of specialized coursework including a practicum in special education/autism. This program will lead to an M.S.Ed in Special Education.This program is designed to nurture the development of the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions that characterize an effective special educator in such areas as assessment and diagnosis, behavior management, communication development, diagnosis and treatment, and curriculum-based assessment and instruction.

Certificate Extension - Gifted Education
The Rockland Graduate Campus is offering two courses in gifted education to provide teachers with the opportunity to obtain their extension in gifted education. Starting in September 2006, teachers not currently working in gifted and talented or challenge programs are required to complete two courses in the area of gifted education in order to obtain such positions in the schools. The Rockland Graduate Campus of Long Island University is one of only a very few New York State universities offering this extension program.

The two courses, Differentiated Instruction and Nature and Needs of the Gifted Learner, are offered in alternate semesters, thereby enabling participants to obtain the certification extension from the New York State Education Department.

These two courses will be of special interest to teachers who want to work with students who have been identified for placement in special programs in their school districts and for teachers who are working in districts which support differentiated instruction for students.

For more information contact Dr. Nancy Goldman at nancy.goldman@liu.edu or Admissions at Rockland@liu.edu.

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ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Education Programs
All applicants for admission to the Master of Science in Childhood, Childhood & Literacy and Childhood & Special Education must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. This shall include a concentration in one of the liberal arts and sciences and college-level work in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and a language other than English. If the applicant has completed an undergraduate major in an area other than education or the liberal arts, he or she will be admitted as a fully matriculated graduate student providing that the major is deemed appropriate for continued study at the graduate level and has sufficient depth and breadth in the major area of the baccalaureate degree. Such majors include, but are not limited to, fine arts, accounting, business, communications, engineering, and the health sciences. In addition, they shall have completed 3 credits of college-level study in a language other than English. If a student’s grade point average falls below the stated requirements or if deficiencies in a student’s liberal arts background exist which affect liability for New York State Certification, the individual may be admitted on a limited matriculation basis. In addition, applicants for the Literacy or Special Education programs must possess a provisional/initial teacher certification.

Note: For the Special Education with a Concentration in Autism, admissions requirements include a 1-2 page personal statement describing your commitment to working with children on the autistic spectrum. An interview with the Program Director may also be required.

Exceptions

Should the student decide to apply for N.Y.S. certification independently, it will be that student’s responsibility to meet the requirements in effect at that time.

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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
M.S. Ed. IN ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION
Core/Pre-Requisite Courses – 24 credits
Course # Title
EDI 551 Psychology of the Adolescent Student
EDI 601 Social Foundations of Education
EDS 600 Introduction to Study of Exceptional Child
EDS 618 Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Learners: Grades 5 – 12
EDI 643 Race, Class, and Gender: Teaching Diverse Populations
EDI 677 Curriculum & Assessment for Classroom Teachers
EDS 640 Reading in the Content Area
EDI 700 Introduction to Educational Research

One of the following courses must be completed – 3 credits
EDS 614
Or
EDI 658

Literacy & Adolescent Literature

Teaching English in Secondary School

EDI 655 Teaching Science in Secondary School
EDI 659 Teaching Mathematics in Secondary School
EDI 660 Teaching Social Studies in Secondary School

Student Teaching & Research – 6 credits
EDI 712 Supervised Student Teaching and Seminar: Adolescence

Total 33 Credits

Culminating Experience
Final Project (Teaching Portfolio)
Other requirements for New York State certification:
Fieldwork – 10 -20 hours required per course (100 hours total)
Child Abuse Seminar
SAVE – Schools Against Violence Education Act Seminar
Fingerprinting
Completion of LAST, ATS-W, CST (Area of concentration)

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CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (Certificate in Grades 1 — 6)

Core/Pre-Requisite Courses — 15 credits
* All core courses must be taken prior to co-related courses and pedagogical core courses

Course # Title

EDI 600

Psychological and Developmental Foundations of Education

EDI 601

Social Foundations of Education

EDI 643

Race, Class, and Gender: Teaching Diverse Populations

EDI 677

Curriculum & Assessment for Classroom Teachers

EDI 700 Introduction to Educational Research

Co-Related Core Requirements — 9 credits
EDS 610 Literacy Teaching and Learning: Birth — Grade 6

EDS 611

Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Populations: Birth — Grade 6

EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (Including Technology and Inclusion)

Pedagogical Core — 9 credits*

EDI 612

Teaching Social Studies in Grade 1-6

EDI 613

Teaching Mathematics in Grade 1-6

EDI 614

Teaching Science in Grade 1-6


Student Teaching — 6 credits

EDI 709

Supervised Student Teaching and Seminar for Grade 1-6
Completion of the required teaching portfolio.

39 — 42 Credit Total

Other requirements for NY State certification:

Fieldwork — 10 hours required per course
Health/Substance Abuse
Child Abuse
SAVE — Schools Against Violence Education Act
Fingerprinting

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CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 1-6/LITERACY B-6 (Dual Certification Program)

Curriculum & Instruction Courses:
Course # Title

EDI 600

Psychological and Developmental Foundations of Education

EDI 601

Social Foundations of Education

EDI 612

Teaching Social Studies in Grade 1-6

EDI 613

Teaching Mathematics in Grade 1-6

EDI 614

Teaching Science in Grade 1-6

EDI 677

Curriculum & Assessment for Classroom Teachers

EDI 910

Supervised Student Teaching & Seminar Grades 1-6


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Special Education & Literacy Courses:

Course # Title

EDS 600

Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child

EDS 610

Literacy Teaching & Learning: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 613

Literacy Through Children’s Literature: Birth-Grade 6

OR

EDS 619

Literacy Through Literature Across the Curriculum: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 640

Literacy Through the Content Area: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 642

Literacy/Language Arts Communities: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 615 Practicum I. Literacy Assessment & Intervention: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 616

Practicum II. Overcoming Literacy Difficulties: Birth-Grade 6 (Supervised Clinic)

EDS 703

Practicum III. Literacy Difficulties: Birth-Grade 6 (Supervised Clinic)

EDS 622

Contemporary Issues and Research in Literacy: Birth-Grade 6

Culminating Experience: Teaching Portfolio  (48 Credit Total)

Other requirements for NY State certification:

Fieldwork — 10 hours required per course
Health/Substance Abuse
Child Abuse
Project S.A.V.E. — Schools Against Violence Education Act
Fingerprinting

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CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION 1-6 (Dual Certification Program)

Curriculum & Instruction Courses:

Course # Title

EDI 600

Psychological and Developmental Foundations of Education

EDI 601

Social Foundations of Education

EDI 612

Teaching Social Studies in Grade 1-6

EDI 613

Teaching Mathematics in Grade 1-6

EDI 614

Teaching Science in Grade 1-6

EDI 677

Curriculum & Assessment for Classroom Teachers

EDI 710

Supervised Student Teaching & Seminar Grades 1-6

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Special Education and Literacy Courses

Course # Title

EDS 600

Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child

EDS 610

Literacy Teaching & Learning: Birth-Grade 6

EDS 617

Literacy for Children with Disabilities:
Birth-Grade 6

EDS 630

The Assessment & Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities

EDS 631

The Assessment & Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities

EDS 632

The Assessment, Instruction & Classroom Management for Children with Emotional & Behavioral Problems

EDS 633

Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (Includes Technology & Inclusion)

EDS 712

Supervised Student Teaching in Special Education

EDS 624

Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education/Culminating Experience

Culminating Experience: Teaching Portfolio (48 Credit Total)

Other Requirements for NY State certification:

Fieldwork — 10 hours required per course
Health/Substance Abuse 2-hr. seminar
Child Abuse 2-hr. seminar
Project S.A.V.E. (Schools Against Violence Education Act) 2-hr. seminar
Fingerprinting

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DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND LITERACY
Plan of Study – Stand Alone Master’s in Literacy—Birth—Grade 6
(For Students certified in Education)
Course # Title
EDS 610 Literacy Teaching and Learning: Birth—Grade 6 - 3 Cr.
(Elective, if comparable course has been taken within past 5 years)

Electives: Summer Institute
EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities - 3 Cr.
EDS 618 Literacy Assessment and Instruction for the Classroom Teacher - 3 Cr.
 
EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Child - 3 Cr.
(Elective, if comparable course has been taken within past 5 years)
 
Electives EDS 630, 632 or 633
 
EDS 613 Literacy and Children’s Literature: Birth—Gr. 6 - 3 Cr.
EDS 619 Literacy and Literature-based Reading Instruction: Birth-Grade 6 - 3 Cr.
EDS 640 Literacy in the Content Areas: Birth—Grade 6 - 3 Cr.
EDS 642 Literacy & Language Arts Instruction: Birth—Grade 6 - 3 Cr.
EDS 615 Practicum I. Literacy Assessment & Intervention:
Birth—Grade 6 (Supervised Clinic) - 3 Cr.
EDS 616 Practicum II. Literacy Intervention: Birth—Grade 6 - 3 Cr.
(Supervised Clinic)
EDS 703 Practicum III. Overcoming Literacy Difficulties:
Birth—Grade 6 (Supervised Clinic) - 3 Cr.
EDS 622 Contemporary Issues in Literacy Research:
Birth—Grade 6 - 3 Cr.

TOTAL CREDITS 30

N.Y.S. Requirements: Tests: L.A.S.T., A.T.S.W., Child Abuse & Violence Seminar

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Plan of Study- Master’s in Special Education (1-6) with a Concentration in Autism

Course # Title
SPH 681

Communication Development and Language Disorders in Children with Autism - 3 Cr.

EDS 600 Intro to the Study of Exceptional Child - 3 Cr.
EDS 617

Literacy for Children with Disabilities - 3 Cr.

EDS 620

Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities - 3 Cr.

EDS 625

Contemporary Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders - 3 Cr.

EDS 630

Curriculum Based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities - 3 Cr.

EDS 631

Curriculum Based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities - 3 Cr.

EDS 635 Behavior Management for Children with Autism & Development Disabilities - 3 Cr.
EDS 750

Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism and Related Disorders throughout the Lifecycle - 3 Cr.

EDS 704

Supervised Practicum in Autism - 3 Cr.

TOTAL CREDITS 30

Comprehensive exam at the completion of course work

N.Y.S. Requirements: Tests: L.A.S.T., A.T.S.W., CST-Special Education, Child Abuse & Violence

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DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

Plan of Study – Stand Alone Master’s in Special Education (1-6)
(For Student certified in Education)

Course # Title
EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Child - 3 Cr.
(Elective, if comparable course has been taken within past 5 years)
Elective: Summer Institute
EDS 620 Assess. & Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities - 3 Cr.
EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities: Birth-Gr. 6 - 3 Cr.
EDS 630 Curriculum Based Assess. & Inst. of Students - 3 Cr.
with Mild Disabilities (Field Experience 15 hours)
EDS 631 Curriculum Based Assess. & Inst. of Students - 3 Cr.
with Severe Disabilities (Field Experience 15 hours)
EDS 632 Instruction & Classroom Management for Children - 3 Cr.
with Emotional & Behavior Problems (Field Experience 10 hours)
EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs - 3 Cr.
in Inclusive Settings (Field Experience 10 hours)
EDS 702 Supervised Practicum in Special Education 3
EDS 624 Contemporary Issues & Research in Special Education EDU Elective in Special Education - 3 Cr.

TOTAL CREDITS 30

N.Y.S. Requirements: Tests: L.A.S.T., A.T.S.W., Child Abuse & Violence Seminar


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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Education Courses

EDI 600 Psychological Foundations of Education
Offered on rotation
This course is designed to introduce students to psychological theories and principles which affect teaching, learning and development. Students will have the opportunity to observe student and teacher behavior, as well as classroom environments, in order to identify operative psychological theories and principles.
Three credits.

EDI 601 Social Foundations of American Education
Offered on rotation
This course introduces students to the social, economic, political and intellectual foundations of American education. It describes the development of the American school system in a rapidly changing environment, with emphasis on the relationship between education and society. Main topics to be explored are the structure and purposes of schooling, the professionalization of teaching, educational policy making and school social factors influencing teaching and learning, and the relationship between education and work. Class discussions will be based upon both primary and secondary sources.
Three credits.

EDI 612 Teaching Social Studies in Grades 1 - 6
Offered on rotation
Social Studies curriculum development through examination of theory and current practices in the school. Inquiry approach, model development, organizational patterns and teaching strategies will be examined through current research.
Three credits.

EDI 613 Teaching Mathematics in Grades 1 – 6
Offered on rotation
Educational and psychological dimensions of learning and teaching mathematics in grades K-6 will be examined in the context of current trends in mathematics education. The development of mathematics concepts and understandings will be explored through relevant activities and materials. Model programs and teaching approaches will be discussed in light of current recommendations for mathematics education.
Three credits.

EDI 614 Teaching Science in Grades 1 - 6
Offered on rotation
Examination of existing programs, materials and problems of science education in the light of current psychological and philosophical theories. Development of science activities with emphasis on the process of science, conceptual understanding, meeting individual differences, discovery approach and utilization of inexpensive easily available materials for experiments and demonstrations.
Three credits.

EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child
Offered on rotation
To be taken within initial 12 credits of study.
A basic introduction to exceptionality. A consideration of emotional, neurological, and physically based etiologies as they relate to exceptionality. Specific reference will be given to an overview of disability and impairment and to a system of classification and criteria of classification.
Three credits.

EDS 610 Literacy Teaching and Learning: Birth - Grade 6
Offered on rotation
A study of strategies and resources in childhood language acquisition and the teaching of literacy for elementary school children. The newest techniques and research findings will be discussed. Students will observe, plan, and instruct sample literacy lessons.
Three credits.

EDS 613 Literacy and Children's Literature: Birth to Grade 6
Prerequisite: EDS 610
Offered on rotation
A survey of the literature for the school child with emphasis on the quality and characteristics of reading materials suitable for various groups. The changing characteristics of children's reading interests and the presentation of books through various media will be included. A reading file will be developed for a particular age group.
Three credits.

EDS 618 Practicum I. Literacy Assessment and Intervention (Birth to Grade 6)
(Supervised Clinic)
Prerequisite: EDS 610
Offered on rotation
Lecture:
The course will stress diagnostic procedures for reading disabilities; observation and interview procedures; diagnostic instruments; standardized and informal tests; report writing and materials of instruction in these areas. Causative factors contributing to specific reading problems will also be explored and discussed.
Clinic: Students will develop case studies with individual clients.
Three credits.

EDS 616 Practicum II. Literacy Intervention (Birth to Grade 6)
(Supervised Clinic)
Prerequisites: EDS 610, 613, 615, 617, 640 & 642
Offered on rotation
May be taken concurrently with EDS 617. Applications for this course must be filed by October 1 for the Spring semester and by February 14 for the Fall.
Lecture: The course will stress eight corrective procedures, planning and management for children with reading disabilities. Major creative techniques and clinical remedial procedures will be included.
Clinic: Students will work with individual clients for a minimum of 20 hours under clinical supervision.
Three credits.

EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities: Birth to Grade 6
Offered on rotation
This course covers theory, research, and effective practices for teaching students with significant reading problems. Specifically, graduate will become immersed in the assessment of literacy problems in the use of assessment results to provide effective instruction. Both formal and informal instruments will be discussed for determining children's strengths and needs. A variety of instructional approaches will be considered for developing reading strategies and skills in children with disabilities.
Three credits.

EDS 619 Literature and Literacy based Reading Instruction: Birth to Grade 6
Prerequisite: EDS 610 & 613
Offered on rotation
Included are the background and description of the various types of literature-based reading programs. This course will be concerned with planning, developing and implementing such instruction. The assessment procedures used by the classroom teacher and the implication of literature-based reading instruction upon the total school program will also be discussed.
Three credits.

EDS 625 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education/Autism (Culminating Experience)
Offered on rotation
This course, an advanced seminar in current issues facing the field of special education, is designed to provide an opportunity for students to research, discuss and understand the topics that are impacting the field and its theoretical basis.
Three credits.

EDI 643 Race, Class and Gender - Teaching Diverse Populations
Offered on rotation
The principles and practices of multicultural education are studied in this course which provides a practical approach to implementation of a culturally diverse curriculum. Major issues covered include: human rights, involvement of parents and the community, criteria for multicultural curricula, assessment and evaluation strategies, global issues in education, and formulating an agenda for educational and social action.
Three credits.

EDS 620 Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities
Offered on rotation
An introduction to instruments and evaluation strategies used in assessing children with disabilities and the environmental conditions, which contribute to their problems in learning. Practice in administration of test interpretation of results, with suggested remedial and therapeutic interventions, is an important facet of this course.
Three credits.

EDI 677 Curriculum Assessment for Classroom Teachers
Offered on rotation
This course will examine principles of curriculum construction, planning, development and justification in relationship to historical, theoretical and practical considerations of purpose, content, and the organization of educational experiences. Consideration will be given to principles of curriculum research and evaluation. The course will embrace concerns of the school and non-school settings for educational experiences.
Three credits.

EDS 640 Literacy in the Content Areas: Birth to Grade 6
Offered on rotation
This course will review expository and narrative materials in the content areas as well as those skills unique to each content field. Readability of texts will be explored and means of adapting instruction to a variety of levels in reading will be discussed. Schema development and direct instruction will be emphasized.
Three credits.

EDS 642 Literacy and Language Arts Instruction: Birth to Grade 6
Prerequisite or co-requisite: EDS 610
Offered on rotation
This course will enable teachers to develop a conceptual framework for the teaching of reading and written communication skills in our schools, focusing on composition, syntax, writing, spelling, and handwriting as interrelated elements of written expression. Instructional practices and materials will be presented, analyzed and evaluated for classroom implementation.
Three credits.

EDS 630 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities
Offered on rotation
The course will examine the complexity of the issues inherent in the teaching-learning process with particular reference to students with mild disabilities in inclusive settings. The instructional dimensions that create the conditions of failure for students with learning problems will be characterized. A framework and practical strategies for the use of assessment procedures that focus on effective instructional planning and that can reverse the cycle of failure for students with mild disabilities will be emphasized. An assessment model that generates information for the design of an instructional program and provides for the continuous monitoring of student progress in academic areas (such as reading, writing and math) and in content areas (such as social studies and science), will be outlined. Effective instructional strategies and elements of teaching practice that supports the learning and growth of students with mild disabilities will also be addressed.
Three credits.

EDS 631 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities
Offered on rotation
This course focuses on methodologies of (1) assessment, (2) curriculum development, (3) individualized educational planning, and (4) instructional programming for children with severe developmental disabilities aged 6-12. Emphasis will be given to curriculum-based assessment as it relates to instructional planning. Assistive technology to support the learning process will be addressed. Accommodations to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms will be covered. Attention will be directed toward developing skill in task analysis, IEP preparation, and lesson planning. Case presentations will be utilized to highlight team building and interdisciplinary collaboration in educating children with severe disabilities. Field experience.
Three credits.

EDS 632 Instruction and Classroom Management for Children with Emotional & Behavior Problems
Offered on rotation
Focus in this course will be on program development, which will include prescriptive remediation based on diagnostic assessment. A consideration of instructional techniques and resources will be of central focus. Fundamental skills in classroom management and in dealing with maladaptive behavior in both inclusive and non-inclusive educational settings will also be surveyed.
Three credits.

EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (Includes Technology & Inclusion)
Inclusion represents one of the most significant challenges facing education in recent years. It requires critical changes in attitudes and practice for both general and special educators. This course will explore the concept of inclusion; discuss it from both a theoretical and practical perspective, and present strategies necessary for it to be successful. Included will be discussions of historical and current perspectives, collaboration among professionals, practical classroom administration, instructional adaptations, etc. One specific mechanism to facilitate inclusion will be the use of assistive and instructional technologies with an emphasis on those that can assist in the integration of students with disabilities.
Three credits.

EDS 635 Behavior Management for Children with Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Offered on rotation
This course provides an introduction to the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and its application for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Procedures applicable to both individuals, and groups will be studied with particular attention to the area of autism. Skill building techniques and strategies will be covered with attention devoted to data collection for assessment, evaluation and record keeping. Procedures to improve skills and behaviors as well as to reduce maladaptive and/or stereotypic behaviors will be covered. Opportunities to implement ABA procedures will occur in class, as well as outside of class.
Three credits.

EDI 700 Introduction to Educational Research
Offered on rotation
The primary purpose of this course is to help teachers and other education professionals become more informed consumers and producers of educational research relative to their areas of expertise. The course will introduce the major principles which govern the conduct of action or evaluation research. It will examine elements common to different types of research design and criteria appropriate to the evaluation of published research. The course will also review measurement principles relevant to teaching. 
Three credits.

EDS 704 Supervised Practicum in Autism
Offered on rotation
The Supervised Practicum in Autism is a structured college-supervised learning experience for a student in a special education teacher program in which the student practices the skills being learned in the program of study through direct experiences with individual students or groups of students on the autism spectrum.  Development of individualized educational plans and application of effective teaching practices will be reinforced.  Emphasis on becoming a reflective practitioner will be provided through seminar discussions and assignments related to the fieldwork.
Three credits.

EDS 713 Supervised Student Teaching in Special Education
Prerequisites: Refer to academic advisor for eligibility requirements.
Offered on rotation
Six credits.

EDI 709 Supervised Student Teaching and Seminar for Grades 1 – 6
Prerequisites: EDI 600, 601, 602, 612, 613, 614, 616 + six credits in reading
Offered on rotation
Systematic, extended observation and student teaching experience under supervision in a selected private or public school. Half of the experience being in a kindergarten through grade 3, and the other half in grades 4 through 6. A minimum of 360 hours of observation and student teaching and participation in appropriate staff and school activities are required. Students must spend at least 110 of those 360 hours in actual teaching, the balance being given to related activities. A weekly seminar integrates theory with practice and provides orientation to the teaching profession.
Six credits.

EDS 703 Literacy Practicum III. Literacy Difficulties: Birth – Grade 6
(supervised Clinic)
Prerequisites: EDS 610, 613, 615, 616, 617, 640 & 642
Offered on rotation
To be taken within last 12 credits.
Applications for course must be filed by October 15 for Spring Semester and by February 14 for Summer and Fall. (Open only to students in reading specialization.)
Students will have full responsibility for diagnosis, correction, and remediation of clients with various types of reading problems. Case studies will be developed and instruction will take place under supervision in the University clinic. A minimum of 30 contact-hours will be required in addition to weekly seminars.
Three credits.

EDS 622 Contemporary Issues and Research in Literacy: Birth-Grade 6
(Culminating Experience)
Offered on rotation
This course involves the study of critical issues in literacy education. Theory, research, and practice will be explored through a vast body of knowledge and field of inquiry related to the perspectives of psychology, sociology, linguistics, and other pertinent areas. Specifically, a wide variety of important topics will be addressed, including balanced reading instruction, phonemic awareness and phonics, multicultural perspectives and literacy learning, basal materials and literature-based resources, traditional and invented spelling practices, process writing, emergent literacy, content literacy, struggling literacy learners, and literacy assessment. Within this context, a diversity of positions and opinions will be considered as students formulate their own views by engaging in activities that encourage critical analysis and independent thinking.
Three credits.

EDS 624 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education/Culminating Experience
Offered on rotation
This course, an advanced seminar in current issues facing the field of special education, is designed to provide an opportunity for students to research, discuss, and understand the topics that are impacting our field and their theoretical base.
Three credits.

EDS 750 Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism and Related Disorders  Throughout the Lifecycle
Offered on rotation
This course is designed to introduce the student to an array of psychopathology that children with autism and related disorders present during the developmental period. Special emphasis is placed on building a working competency in differentiating autism from other forms of severe  psychopathology, such as childhood schizophrenia, severe language disorders, borderline syndromes of childhood, or severe behavior disorders. In addition, the awareness of co-morbidity of other disorders with autism (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) will be emphasized. The multimodal and interdisciplinary approaches to treatment of these disorders will be stressed. This course will have didactic sessions, readings, video presentations, and case studies.
Three credits.

SPH 681 Communication Development and Language Disorders in Children with Autism
Offered on rotation
This course provides information on the pathology and communicative characteristics of children with autism or pervasive developmental disabilities. The course will cover the areas of prevalence, identification, diagnostic assessment and intervention, as well as social, emotional and cognitive aspects of communication and language development in individuals who demonstrate a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors that are collectively known as autism.
Three credits.

All programs are offered in their entirety at the Rockland Graduate Campus.