This course examines strategies and educational components that create a learning environment to address the complex needs of adolescent students. It includes specific methodologies and material pertaining to the basic functions of middle level education including: integration, exploration, guidance, differentiation, socialization, and articulation. It investigates recent research and practical applications.

Students will participate in a supervised experience in a school or other qualified educational setting which provides practical application of theory, practice, and experience. Credit requirements will be determined based upon the current Wisconsin teaching license(s) issued to student. Prerequisite: 613 and 614. May be repeated for credit.

This course provides a critical examination of the formation and re-formation of education in the US public school system. The concepts and theories of power and oppression serve as a framework for understanding the her/historical, cultural, and political context of education. With a focus on the educational narratives of language, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status, culturally responsive education is explored as a tool for creating and sustaining educational equity.

Assessment serves as a cornerstone of special education, both in terms of eligibility determination and instructional planning. This course will focus on the wide array of assessment methods available for identifying students with disabilities and evaluating their responsiveness to instruction. Assessments included are norm-referenced, criterion referenced, curriculum based, observational, and dynamic. Students will design instruction, intervention, and support based on assessment results. Field experience hours required.

The process of creating an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a student is the foundation for compliance with IDEA. A well-written IEP utilizes a team of individuals to address the students needs and write appropriate goals that can help to meet those needs. This class includes assessment practices, cultural and linguistic differences, individual motivation differences, and instructional arrangements to accommodate learning differences.

This course explores the process of collaboration and problem solving between students with disabilities, teachers, their families, and outside agencies. It provides an overview of IDEA requirements for students with disabilities. This course will also prepare students to plan for the transition of adolescents and young adults with disabilities from school to future careers, continuing education, and independent living.

This course is an internship in which students will intern in a K-12 reading program, working with a certified reading specialist. Students will gain experience in a broad range of activities required of a literacy leader/reading specialist, to include staff development, supervision, coaching, and communication. Elementary and secondary reading experiences are required. Prerequisites: 582.

This course will review and further develop students skills in evaluation of research and increase their understandings of methodologies, techniques, data interpretation, and instructional applications of research.

This course will provide literacy leaders with the opportunity to increase their understanding of instructional approaches and materials related to K-12 literacy programs. The focus of this course will be on research-based, best practices in literacy curriculum and instruction. This course will emphasize strategies regarding how to be in a leadership role for teachers to support their knowledge and instruction in these best practices.

Students in this course are charged with examining the role of an educator as a moral steward. Students will be asked to think about the individual role that they assume in achieving and maintaining a more democratic and ethical society through education. Investigations into controversial ethical issues and dilemmas prepare educators to critically think through potential situations that may arise with students, parents, administrators, and peers. Students will look at the overview of the systemic nature of education and schooling, with emphasis on the role of the teacher.