The focus of this course is the literacy development of the birth- 8-year-old child. The course covers the developmental process of literacy acquisition, including oral and writing language development and the use of appropriate methods, models, and strategies for encouraging literacy growth. Early literacy concepts of phonemic awareness, word identification, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, cultural and linguistic diversity, and language differences and delays are examined. The role of parents, community, and assessment tools will be explored.

This course is designed to acquaint teachers with the research and theory involved with the use of manipulatives in Activity-Based, Child-centered Mathematics (ABC Math). Teachers will study the theory, experience the activities, and make plans for the integration of ABC Math into their grade level.

Principles of corrective reading instruction, diagnostic instruments and procedures, strategies, and materials for correcting reading difficulties will be covered. Proficiency in prescribing corrective instructional plans and activities will be developed. In addition, students will participate in a field-based practicum experience working with struggling readers. During this experience, assessment, data-based intervention/instructional design, record keeping, and reflective practices are emphasized.

This course is designed to provide teachers with a foundational knowledge of classroom management and behavioral intervention for mild to moderate behavioral challenges. It will also provide strategies to support teachers with diverse classes, including students with disabilities. Prevention and intervention strategies will be examined as outlined in multi-level systems of support (MLSS). Students will utilize behavioral assessments and will acquire resources for successful intervention with problem behaviors.

This course asks students to re-examine their role as one who generates change in the education system by engaging in self-reflection and self-assessment of his/her current classroom best practices. In addition, students will be asked to develop a plan for future professional growth and development, including their pedagogical strengths and their opportunities for improvement. Students will develop of professional development plan as their path to continuous improvement as an educator.

Effective educational leaders are skilled with interpretation and application of educational research in their local contexts. This course introduces educators to the foundations of educational research and enables them to think strategically when examining the literature about a problem of practice. Students will develop an awareness of the APAs conventions of writing and citation practices that are used across the social sciences. The course culminates with students writing a formal literature review that investigates a self-selected problem of practice.

This course embodies two discipline principles articulated in four areas: philosophy of human behavior, proven prevention factors, behavior change, school-wide and classroom response to disruptive behavior.

In this course, students will be introduced to exceptional learners, and investigate instructional practices that can be used in general education classrooms to improve outcomes for students with and without disabilities. The course will focus on educating students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), and will learn to utilize differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students. Models of co-teaching will be examined, as well as cooperative learning, heterogeneous grouping, multicultural education, social skills training, and technology applications.

In this methods course, students will plan instruction for learners with disabilities. Course content will include assessment, instruction and instructional design, and establishment and maintenance of case records. Students will use assessment data to design goals and objectives in the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students will adapt curriculum and instruction to accommodate diverse student needs. Prerequisites: 613, 614

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.