EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 SH)

Explores practical implications of constructivist theory in classrooms. Emphasizes concepts such as reflective practice, student centered learning and processes for change.

EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 SH)

Explores peacebuilding and conflict resolution within educational contexts. Focuses on peaceable climates and conflict transformation approaches and integrates peace curricula for individual classroom settings and within specific schools.

EDCC 531 Social and Ethical Issues in Education (3 SH)

Examines educational and ethical values through discussion of case studies and current issues in education. Analyzes how public policy in education is shaped via the community’s social and ethical concerns.

EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 SH)

Provides an overview of action research conducted within educational settings. Emphasis is placed upon gaining an understanding of the difference between qualitative and quantitative research design, as well as becoming competent in setting up an action research project. Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy and EDPC 501.

EDPC 521 Teacher Work Samples (1 SH) (replaces Reflective Practice Portfolio)

Integrates knowledge with professional practice through the assessment of contextual factors and the analysis of student learning. Five core propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) are examined. Required by candidates participating in the curriculum transition who have not addressed NBPTS standards.

EDPC 601 Practicum (3 SH)

Focuses on the outcomes of a specific track. Supervised by a graduate faculty mentor, field experience will take place in a setting necessary to complete track requirements.

EDPC 611 Action Research Project (3 SH)

Incorporates a written report and delivery of a student-designed action research project. Under faculty mentor supervision, Action Research Projects may take a variety of formats: curriculum restructuring projects, staff development projects, research for public policy change, research for publication, etc. Prerequisite: EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings.

EDCI 501 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies (3 SH)

Examines the philosophical foundations of curriculum development and implementation. Curriculum mapping, interdisciplinary inquiry, activity curricula and culturally responsive development will be discussed.

EDCI 541 Behavior Management (3 SH)

Conducts analyses and critiques of actual cases in education in which behavior management is the major issue. Lectures, discussions, and assignments give students the background and tools needed to conduct case analyses, focusing on important principles of behavior management as well as evidence-based practices found in current literature and personal experience.

EDCI 551 Differentiating Instruction for the Gifted Learner (3 SH)

Examines conceptions and misconceptions about gifted learners and presents ways in which classrooms can be stretched and adapted to address learning needs.

EDDA 501 At-Risk Issues in School and Community (3 SH)

Serves as a forum for engaging dialogue among educators, counselors, law enforcement personnel, social service agents and other community service workers regarding at-risk issues. Emphasizes current trends and program development models empowering collaboration within communities.

EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 SH)

Focuses on the application of integrated strategies, differentiated instruction, curriculum compacting and adaptations for diverse populations, i.e. students served under alternative education, special education services, ESL and gifted/talented programs.

EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3 SH)

Focuses on collaborative strategies for teaming among educators, parents and community agencies. Examines models of consensus building, team leadership, team planning, collaborative strategies and school-community partnerships within the context of inclusive classrooms and transition programs for at-risk learners.

EDDN 601 Assessment of Learners (3 SH)

Examines formal and authentic assessment strategies as they relate to learners within the regular education classroom. Focuses on the development of alternative assessment strategies with additional emphasis upon dilemmas faced when assessing diverse learners.

EDDN 631 Research in Risk and Resiliency (3 SH)

Analyzes research bases for understanding risk and resiliency and explores protective factors within the child, family and community which enable resilience and mitigate risk factors.

EDDS 501 Technology to Enhance Learning (3 SH)

Focuses on strategies and delivery systems of instruction which are now available to teachers through the use of technology. Investigates how a wide range of electronic information technology might affirm core values and promote excellent teaching practices. Emphasizes hands-on learning.

EDDS 511 Foundations and Procedural Issues in Special Education (3 SH)

Focuses on recent changes within special education policy and law that directly impact the classroom teacher. Presents ways to use Internet services to keep current with procedural issues.

EDDS 601 Advocacy Issues Within Special Education (3 SH)

Recognizes the impact and importance of decision-making and the dynamics of advocacy. Includes but is not limited to current topics such as impact of health and medical issues, self determination by and for students, selection and implementation of instructional and assistive technologies and creating safe psychological and physical environments.

EDDS 611 Curriculum and Instructional Support for Special Education Students (3 SH)

Addresses research and best practice in curriculum development, instructional planning and behavior management to support students with high incidence disabilities: cognitive (MR), learning (LD), and emotional needs (ED). Emphasizes culturally sensitive integration of students into family life, schools and community programs and services.

EDDT 521 Second Language Learners (3 SH)

Emphasizes a psycholinguistic approach to the acquisition of a second language. Includes the study of transformational grammars, a review of language development and thought and language acquisition strategies.

EDDT 541 Literacy and ESL Methods(3 SH)

Emphasizes linguistic principles, practical methods, assessment and materials design and development for teachers teaching English as a second language in the K-12 school. This class involves a practicum with second language learners.

EDDT 551 Methods of Teaching ESL/FL (3 SH)

Emphasizes theory, practical methods, assessment and materials design and development for teachers teaching English as a second language and foreign language.

EDDT 561 The English Language (3 SH)

Focuses on essentials of linguistic science studies as a background for understanding the history of the English language. Explores the development of dialect, colloquialism and regionalism.

EDDT 571 Language Acquisition and Grammar (3 SH)

Explores current topics and issues in the study of language acquisition, language development and grammar. Offers teachers practical ideas for teaching grammar in the context of today’s classroom.

EDDT 581 Language and Culture (3 SH)

Enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which culture and language influence each other. Surveys the basics of sociolinguistics and language policy through case studies from communities around the world. Includes a critical evaluation of the role of culture in the second-language classroom.

EDDT 591 ESL Assessment and Support (3 SH)

Explores assessment tools and practices as they relate to second language learners. Emphasizes the assessing and monitoring of oral language, reading and writing and content area subjects. Examines support services both in language acquisition and content learning.

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 SH)

Examines the psychological, social and linguistic components of the developmental processes of reading and writing including phonemic awareness, alphabetic code, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Emphasizes the importance of appropriate instruction and materials according to the child’s developmental stage.

EDLA 511 Teaching Struggling Readers (3 SH)

Focuses on those students who, in spite of a teacher’s best efforts, do not make satisfactory annual yearly progress. The factors that inhibit progress are examined and assessments, instructional strategies and materials are shared. Special emphasis includes ELL students and students with special learning needs.

EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 SH)

Focuses on literacy learning throughout the curriculum and addresses integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to learning in K-12 classrooms. The course explores instructional strategies, materials, and issues that impact the development and extension of literacy across the content areas. Technology as a tool for literacy is an integral part of designing appropriate instruction. The role of research in learning, and specifically in reading and writing is a focus area.

EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3 SH)

Addresses workplace literacy, family literacy, adult literacy and literacy advocacy.
*offered in alternate years

EDLA 541 Literacy Assessment (3 SH)

Focuses on assessment as the basis for instruction. Teachers learn to administer multiple assessments to diagnose and document a student’s literacy development. Teachers also examine the design and purpose of national, state and district assessments. (Prerequisite: EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy or instructor’s permission)

EDLA 551 Developing an Effective Reading Program (3 SH)

Provides practical knowledge about developing and implementing K-12 reading programs. Develops the strategies and understandings needed to provide a diverse student body with effective reading instruction. Emphasizes professional development, leadership and advocacy for reading specialists.
*offered in alternate years

EDLA 561 Language Acquisition and Literacy (3 SH)

Examines the development of oral and written language, and explores the effects of social and cultural influences on language acquisition and beginning literacy. This course is designed to help teachers to develop the understandings and skills to implement a balanced and meaning-focused literacy environment with attention to the continued role of oral language, phonemic awareness and alphabetics, the reading and writing processes and related instructional strategies, assessment, and early word study and spelling instruction.

EDLA 601 Multicultural Children’s Literature (3 SH)

Explores multicultural literature for children in a variety of genre. Elementary classroom activities, including critical thinking and writing, are demonstrated.

EDLA 611 Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (3 SH)

Concentrates on literature written for and by adolescent/young adult readers while relying on works typically classified as young adult literature as well as literary “classics” found within the curriculum for middle, junior and senior high classrooms. Employs reader-response theory.

EDLA 661 The Bible as a Text for Literacy Instruction (3 SH)

Examines the use of Scripture to develop literacy. Emphasizes text analysis, creating reader-response strategies, introduction of literacy skills and curriculum models.

EDLA 681 Teaching Writing (3 SH)

Emphasizes the need for teachers to become authors within the educational community. Encourages students to write for publication.

EDSP 681 Special Topics (3 SH)

A special course designed around a current issue in education which impacts literacy, diverse needs or curriculum and instruction arenas.

EDSP 661 Assessment and Planning in Special Education (3 SH)

Studies informal and formal diagnostic procedures appropriate for students with mental retardation, learning disabilities and emotional disturbance. Topics include legal requirements for eligibility, formulating individual education plans based on assessment data and general evaluation of instruction.

EDSP 671 Cognitive Learning & Emotional Disabilities (3 SH)

Provides historical perspectives, characteristics, and medical aspects and ethical issues in the practice of special education. Designed for teachers preparing for licensure in special education. Topics are viewed in the context of normal patterns of development and the dynamic influence of the family system.

EDSP 681 Improving Student Achievement (3 SH)

Examines research-based strategies for increasing student achievement and explores the development of educational research from its beginnings through the 21st century. A practical approach is taken as participants are trained in classroom application of these research-based strategies for improving student achievement.

EDTR 673 Cross-Cultural Study (3 SH)

Study tours or short term teacher exchanges allow participants to further investigate an area of study within another culture.