M.A. in Education Course Offerings 2008-09

EDPC 521 Teacher Work Sample (1 SH) (replaces Reflective Practice Portfolio) Donovan Steiner
Integrates knowledge with professional practice through the assessment of contextual factors and the analysis of student learning. Five core porpositions 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. Aug. 26, Sept. 9, 30, Oct. 7, 21 (Tues. 4:30-7:30 p.m.)

EDDT 551 Methods of Teaching ESL/FL (3 SH) Mike Medley
Emphasizes theory, practical methods, assessment and materials design and development for teachers teaching English as a second language and foreign language.  Aug. 28-Dec. 11 (Tues. & Thurs. 3:50-5:05 p.m.)

EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 SH) Judy Wilfong
Focuses on literacy learning throughout the curriculum and addresses integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to learning in K-12 classrooms. The course will explore instructional strategies, materials, and issues that impact the development and extension of literacy across the content areas. Technology as a tool for literacy will be an integral part of designing appropriate instruction. The role of research in learning, and specifically in reading and writing will be a focus area.  Aug. 28-Dec. 11 (Thurs. 4:30-7:30 p.m.)

EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 SH) Donovan Steiner
Explores practical implications of constructivist theory in classrooms. Emphasizes concepts such as reflective practice, student centered learning and processes for change.  Sept 12-13, 26-27, Oct 10-11, 24-25, Nov 7-8 (Fri. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 SH) Tracy Hough
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.  Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, 15, 22, Dec. 13 (Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)

Spring 2009

EDDT 582 Language and Culture (Online) (3 SH) Mike Medley
This online course 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. Jan. 5-Apr. 20

EDLA 622 Informational Literacy and Response to Intervention Procedures (Online) (3 SH) Alice Bair
Designed for general and special educators who wish to use Response to Intervention for prevention and early intervention of students’ learning difficulties associated with informational literacy. A focus on technology applications will be used. Jan. 5-Apr. 20

EDID 512 School Law for Educators (3 SH) Fred Kennon
Emphasizes state and federal statutes and case law affecting due process, liability, religion in the schools, special education, student rights, teacher evaluation, search and seizure, and other relevant topics. Participants should develop a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students, teachers, and administrators in the school setting. Jan. 9, 10, 30, 31; Feb. 20, 21; Mar. 13, 14, 28 (Fri. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)

EDLA 552 Developing an Effective Reading Program (3 SH) Katrina Maynard
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.  Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, Mar. 18, 25, Apr. 15, 22 (Wed. 4:30-9:00 p.m.) 

EDCC 552 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 SH) Cathy Smeltzer Erb
Examines quantitative and qualitative research studies that have impacted education. Presents action research theory and design so that students may apply action research to their individual programs. Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy. Jan. 23, 24, 30, 31, Mar. 13, 14, Apr. 17, 18, May 15, 16 (Fri. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

EDLA 542 Literacy Assessment (3 SH) Tracy Hough
Focuses on assessment as the basis for instruction. Teachers will learn to administer multiple assessments to diagnose and document a student’s literacy development. Teachers will also examine the design and purpose of national, state and district assessments. (Prerequisite: EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy or instructor’s permission) Feb. 7, 28, Mar. 7, 21, Apr. 18, 25 (Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

EDI 632 Word Study (1 SH) Tracy Hough
Explores the development of orthographic knowledge of spelling. Provides hands-on experience in designing, implementing and assessing developmentally appropriate tasks for students’ needs in spelling phonics and vocabulary. Mar. 2, 16, 30, Apr. 20, 27 (Mon. 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

Summer 2009

EDLA 613 Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (online) (3 SH) Mark Hogan
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. June 8-August 7

EDDN 633 Research in Risk & Resiliency (online) (3 SH) Sarah Armstrong
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. June 8-August 7

EDCC 523 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 SH) Judy Mullet
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. June 15-19, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDCI 543 Behavior Management (3 SH) Katrina Maynard
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. June 22-26, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDLA 603 Multicultural Children’s Literature (3 SH) Jean Hawk
Explores multicultural children’s literature for children in a variety of genre. Elementary classroom activities including critical thinking and writing are demonstrated. June 29-July 3, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDCC 533 Social and Ethical Issues in Education (3 SH) Don Steiner
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. May take for 3 semester hours upon permission from the instructor. July 6-10, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDCI 503 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies (3 SH) Cathy Smeltzer Erb
Examines the philosophical foundations of curriculum development and implementation. Curriculum mapping, interdisciplinary inquiry, activity curricula and culturally responsive development will be discussed. July 13-17, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDDA 513 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 SH) Lori Leaman
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. July 20-24, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDIC 553 Teaching Science as Inquiry (3 SH) Toni Flanagan
Examines various research-based methods and strategies for teaching elementary and middle school science as reflected in the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) content and process standards. Inquiry-oriented hands-on activities will be used to demonstrate how the processes of science generate broad connections. Candidates will critically examine their current instructional practice and together craft new approaches to teaching inquiry in the science classroom. July 27-31, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

EDDT 583 Language and Culture
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. TBA

Please note that coursework extends beyond the last class session.

Preregister by printing the registration form (Word) and sending it to the MA in Education Program. You will be put on the class roster. Official registration will take place at the first session of each course. Full payment will be due at that time.

The tuition rate for the Master of Arts in Education Program and the Graduate in Education Non-degree Program is $350.00 per semester hour. *Institutes and special courses contracted with school divisions may vary in tuition rate.

For more information contact:
Don Steiner, Director
M.A. in Education Program
Eastern Mennonite University
1200 Park Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22802-2462
(540) 432-4142 or 432-4350
E-mail: mained@emu.edu