This course will focus on the diverse literacy needs of children within the regular education classroom. State and federal legislation concerning inclusion of children with disabilities and the concept of "least restrictive environment" will be studied. An exploration of personal and societal biases will allow teachers increased self-awareness in teaching a divergent population. Appropriate best practices for enhancing literacy in all children will be presented.

This course focuses on topics such as identity, social factors of language use, cultural and linguistic diversity, and the many educational contexts in which English learners develop their cultural and linguistic identity in the United States. In addition, this course addresses the many ways that teachers and administrators can apply culturally responsive teaching to support the academic English language development of English learners in their schools.

This course serves a dual purpose: (1) it focuses on the fundamentals of instructional design and the use of multimedia technology as a teaching and learning strategy that addresses diverse student needs and encourages active participation in learning; (2) it emphasizes technology tools that facilitate communication and collaboration within local and global learning communities as a means of improving leadership functions and effectively engaging with others in online and remote learning environments.

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.

Teaching at pre-kindergarten or kindergarten level integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation and delivery of developmentally appropriate instruction in a child-centered environment. Capstone experience. Prerequisite: passing Praxix II score. May be repeated for credit.

Demonstration of leadership in effective PK-12 literacy instruction, mentoring, coaching, and staff development is the primary focus of this course. Students will use research and theory to explore literacy models, social and political aspects of literacy, language variation, and the cultural and community influences on language acquisition and learning. Leadership in developing, promoting, and assessing teacher professional development, family and community literacy programs, and effective professional learning communities will be promoted throughout the course.

This course provides independent reading and/or research, at the post-baccalaureate or master degree level, under the direction of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit.

This course examines the effective strategies of supervision and staff development that relate to reading programs in schools. It is required for the 317 Reading License.

This course examines specific methods for identifying learning styles and how to design activities and instructional approaches to accommodate each style. Designed for all grade level teachers.